Paul expects benefit and obedience from Philemon. He then ends his letter with hope for a future visit and greetings to the recipients of the letter.

Paul describes Onesimus as a spiritual asset and requests Philemon treat him as a partner as he would Paul. Paul even models this partnership by offering repayment of the debt Onesimus owed.

Paul appeals to Philemon regarding Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave whom Paul was sending back to his master.

Paul addresses the recipients of the letter and then specifically thanks and prays for the main recipient of the letter: Philemon.