Introduction

Philemon, one of the leaders of the church in Colossae, had a slave named Onesimus, "who, having stolen some of his goods, ran away from him and, in his wandering, came to Rome," where providentially, he "came under Paul's preaching there and was, by the blessing of God, converted through him, after which he ministered to the apostle for a while."  Paul, however, was uneasy about Onesimus remaining with him without Philemon's consent, so "sent him back with this letter" [Philemon], "in which he passionately seeks a pardon and kind reception for Onesimus."

Philemon 1:1-3

v1-2: This letter, though addressed primarily to Philemon, was a letter for all of the church in Colossae, and by its inclusion in the canon of Scripture, for all of the church today.  God wants us all to know about "his rich and free grace for the strength, comfort, and encouragement of the most insignificant and corrupt sinners who look to him for mercy and forgiveness," so that we might love, help, and encourage any sinner who repents.

v3: Grace and peace from God is only something that God through Christ can give to us, so let's pray for ourselves and others, that we would know God's favour and goodness in our lives.