Philemon - A Plea for Onesimus

In Paul's letter to Philemon, he appeals to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus. Matthew Henry writes in his commentary, "Onesimus was the slave of Philemon: having run away from his master, he went to Rome, where he was converted to the Christian faith, by the word as set forth by Paul, who kept him till his conduct proved the truth and sincerity of his conversion. He wished to repair the injury he had done to his master, but fearing the punishment his offence deserved might be inflicted, he entreated the apostle to write to Philemon."

In respone, Paul appealed to Philemon "... accept him as you would me. And if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it" (Philemon 1:17-19a HCSB).

Taking refuge in God is about trusting Him. As Martin Luther said "Even as Christ did for us with God the Father, thus Paul also does for Onesimus with Philemon." Christ accepted the debt for our sin and presented Himself to the Father as the payment for a debt that we could not pay.