friend of Paul) had robbed his master and run away to Rome. c. In some wonderful way Onesimus’ path crosses that of Paul, resulting in his glorious conversion to Christ. d. Upon hearing his testimony, Paul determines to send him back to Philemon. e. To prepare the way (for what could be a very tense meeting), Paul pens this beautiful letter to Philemon. It is a masterpiece of Christian tact and ethics. 6. The letter provides us with one of the finest illustrations of that great theological truth