No longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother; Philemon

 Philemon 1:1-25

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I appeal to you for my son Onesimus(helpful), who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me, but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 

Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

Why?

Paul wrote this letter to the Philemon church and hopes that Philemon comes to their church. Philemon was a slave before and served Paul, but now he is a Christian, their brother, so Paul wrote this letter to treat Philemon like their brother.

How?

We treat anyone as we would treat our brothers, with love and joy and peace.