Runaway Slave

«If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.» Philemon 1:17

Paul, a man whom God had chosen, taught, and sent to preach the Word of God, was often arrested. This happened because he said that Jesus was God, and people said that he created turmoil.

Once, imprisoned in Rome, Paul met a runaway slave named Onesimus who didn’t know Jesus. Onesimus had run away from Philemon, his master, because he had stolen from him.

Philemon was rich and would gather groups of friends to talk about Jesus. He was Paul’s friend.

So, Paul told Onesimus about Jesus and he surrendered to Jesus. He realized that he had sinned against Philemon.

Onesimus became a great friend and helper of Paul and the apostle wanted him to talk about Jesus. But he needed to ask his boss for forgiveness. So, Paul wrote a letter for Onesimus himself to take to Philemon asking him to forgive his runaway slave and take him back as his son, because now he belonged to Jesus.

And Onesimus took the letter.

Let’s practice!

Make a list of friends you like and dislike and pray for them. If you want to, send them a message.