Philemon was a prominent slave owner. One of his slaves, Onesimus, had run away, possibly taking some of his master's goods with him. This made him a deserter and a thief. However, Onesimus met the apostle Paul and became a Christian. The unprofitable slave was returning to his owner. How would Philemon receive him? Paul asks Philemon to welcome him back, even as he would welcome the apostle. This is a letter of brotherly love and forgiveness.