In this shortest of his letters, Paul appeals to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave, who has arrived where Paul is imprisoned and has come to faith in Christ. Now Paul sends a “cover letter” along with Onesimus’ return to his owner. Through careful rhetoric and irony Paul relies on themes of the partnership of faith and the mutual love of Christian community to encourage Philemon to do the right thing and receive Onesimus back as a brother in Christ. As we read its brief words we will see an amazing illustration of Paul’s person and skill in pastoral care from a distance.