The answer is: To receive him back as a brother in Christ

v17 - Paul is asking him to receive him back as a brother, just like Philemon would receive Paul.

In the brief but poignant letter to Philemon, the Apostle Paul is not just asking for simple forgiveness; he’s actually reshaping the dynamics of relationships. Imagine the emotional weight! Philemon had owned Onesimus, a runaway slave who had become crucial to Paul during his imprisonment. Paul’s request is revolutionary, asking Philemon to view this former slave not just as property but as an equal companion in Christ.

Reflecting on the overall message of Philemon, think about how it resonates with today’s ideals of equality and brotherhood. The idea of spiritual kinship transcends social boundaries—something Paul championed repeatedly in his letters. Did you know that in Galatians 3:28, he famously states that in Christ, there’s neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female? He emphasizes how faith generates a new identity that transcends our earthly roles.

Moreover, this letter showcases the power of love and reconciliation. It echoes the sentiment similar to Jesus’s parables, like that of the Prodigal Son, where restoration and acceptance are central themes. Wouldn’t it be fascinating to think about how this personal plea made its way through the early Christian communities, impacting views on slavery and kinship? By accepting Onesimus back, Philemon wasn’t just agreeing to forgive – he was becoming part of a counter-cultural movement that laid seeds for future thoughts on justice and equality!