Philemon Christian Slave Owner in Colossae

Philemon was a wealthy Christian in Colossae whose home served as a meeting place for the local church. His slave Onesimus ran away and later met Paul in Rome, becoming a believer. Paul wrote a personal letter to Philemon, appealing to him as a fellow believer to forgive Onesimus and receive him back as a brother in Christ rather than punishing him as Roman law allowed.

1. Conversionc. AD 53-55

   Philemon is converted, likely through Paul's ministry in Ephesus.

   PHM 1:19

2. Church Hostc. AD 55-62

   Philemon hosts the church in Colossae in his home.

   PHM 1:2

3. Paul's Letterc. AD 60-62

   Paul writes asking Philemon to receive back his runaway slave Onesimus.

   PHM 1:8-21