At the end of Colossians, Paul mentioned a man named Onesimus as a beloved brother in the work of ministry. This brother, Onesimus, was a slave to Philemon, and Paul writes to Philemon to ask if he could be freed. Many in slavery in this day and age were enslaved voluntarily as means by which they could repay debt. Once that debt was paid or the years of service to which they agreed came to an end, that person would be freed. Onesimus had been helping Paul, presumably by helping him to get what he needs to survive. Paul treats both Philemon and Onesimus as equals and brothers in Christ, and doesn’t condescend to either. As such, Paul wants to repay whatever might be owed to Philemon so that he is justly compensated.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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