Onesimus was a runaway slave,
belonging to Philemon, who had found his way to Rome
and been converted by Paul (Philemon 10), who returned
him, with this letter, to his master (Col. 4:9; Philemon
10-12).

In this letter we have a picture of the Apostle's
kindness of heart and a carrying out of the principles which
Paul had advocated in his First Epistle to the Corinthians
(7:20-24), "Let every man abide in the same calling
wherein he was called." We find also this same principle
set forth, in another way, in his letter to the Colossians
upon the "Supremacy of Christ." These principles will
make all men brethren in Christ and every man will strive
to serve Christ in his own place, whatever that place is.
Paul exhorts Philemon, along this very line, to receive
Onesimus not as a servant but as a brother beloved
(Philemon 16).

The practical teaching of this letter upon the relations
between masters and servants and employers and employees
is very pertinent to the present times. The true
solution of all labor troubles is that men should regard
each other as brethren under the leadership of Jesus Christ.

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+

1. Salutation and Thanksgiving (1-7).

2. Statement of the object of the letter (8-21). As
a favor for love's sake Philemon is asked to receive back
Onesimus no longer a runaway slave but Paul's spiritual
child. Emphasis is laid upon the fact that he is now a
Christian brother and should be received as such.

3. Conclusion (22-25). (a) In expectation of a
speedy release from imprisonment the Apostle asks that
a lodging be secured for him (22 v.). (b) Salutation
and benediction (23-25).

THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS

+The City of Ephesus and the Church.+--This city
was, next to Rome, the most important visited by Paul.
It was the capital of Asia Minor and a great commercial
center. It was the seat of the worship of the goddess
Diana.

Paul first visited the city when he was returning from
his second missionary tour, but, while asked to prolong
his stay, he remained only for a short time (Acts 18:19-21).
During his third missionary journey he again visited
the city and remained for three years (Acts 20:31,
compare 19:10, 22). His success in Ephesus was very great
(Acts 19:18-20, 26) and extended beyond the city. The
letters to the churches at Colossae (Col. 1:2) and Laodicea
(this letter is lost) (Col. 4:16) show his care for the
churches that were ad