Navigating the Bible: Philemon

“I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus . . . I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced . . . He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” Philemon vs. 10, 14, and 16. The book of Philemon is unlike any of Paul’s other letters. Or, perhaps I should say it this way, it is unlike any of Paul’s other full l