Why He Fled

     Onesimus was a slave belonging to Philemon but he ran away. Was it for the love of liberty or to escape punishment for some misdeed? We cannot know. Whatever the reason, he was to return to Philemon (Paul writes Philemon to receive him, not as a servant but a beloved brother.)

    Relationships change when we become Christians. We are new creatures and our duties and privileges in Christ make a difference. Now Paul, Onesimus and Philemon were brethren in the Lord and their love for each other is quite apparent.