Paul wrote to Philemon concerning Onesimus, a servant to Philemon. Paul took the opportunity to encourage those who ministered with Philemon and the local church. Onesimus became a believer through Paul’s teachings. Paul appealed to Philemon to accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ and to forgive him of any debt and any wrong he may have committed. Paul reminded Philemon of the efforts Paul made to share the gospel with him and to grow him in Christ. Paul trusted Philemon to be gracious in accepting Onesimus in love. Paul asked Philemon to prepare a place in hopes he would be released from imprisonment and visit him again.