Sermon Cloud

This is a first-person narrative of Paul's letter to Philemon. In his correspondence, Paul puts his friend and co-laborer from the Colossian church to the test. He begs him to receive back Onesimus, a runaway slave, as a fellow brother in Christ. While Paul does not elaborate on the details of Onesimus' desertion (cause, fault, cost, etc.), he makes abundantly clear the need for restoration. The core of the gospel is God's act of reconciliation between rebellious humans and Himself. Thus, the practice of the gospel in daily life demands forgiveness and restitution. Ultimately, the letter to Philemon reminds readers throughout the ages that the gospel changes human relationships.