Name of the eighteenth book of the New Testament and the shortest of the Pauline epistles, consisting of only 335 words in the original Greek text. It was written from prison by Paul of Tarsus as a personal letter to Philemon, a wealthy Christian of the church of Colossae, that met in his home. Paul also addresses this Christian community and two of Philemon's associates specifically, i.e. a woman named Apphia and a fellow worker named Archippus, whom are assumed by some to have been his wife and son, respectively.

The main theme of the letter is forgiveness, especially towards Onesimus, a runaway slave that belonged to Philemon and who became a Christian believer. It is assumed that Onesimus sought Paul out, as a friend of his master's, in order to be reconciled, and Paul now sends him back to face his aggrieved master, whilst striving in this letter to take Onesimus back and to reconcile as Christians. Beyond that, Paul uses a clear witticism as he writes on Onesimus' usefulness, as the latter's name actually means ‘useful’.

Although Paul was complying with Roman law in returning Onesimus to Philemon, from the letter it is clear that moreover his intent was to reconcile those two Christians, asking Philemon to receive Onesimus with grace and to forgive him in the same manner as God in Christ has forgiven us all, yet without demanding to change his legal position as a slave, but to rather consider him as a brother and more than useful for both himself and their cause mutual causes in Christ.

The letter is dated around 60 AD, as it was sent while Paul was imprisoned in Rome, i.e. between 59 and 61 AD. It is supposed to be written sometime during the middle of Paul’s imprisonment, since –contra to Philippians– in this letter the apostle gives no indication that he will be released soon, hence it is likely that it was written before the end of his imprisonment was in sight.

Philemon Chapter 1.