I love that Paul calls Philemon up. Paul calls him to forgive Onesimus even though society said you should beat and maybe even kill a runaway slave. Paul calls Philemon to revolt against what society said he should do. Quietly forgiving the unforgivable just like Christ did for us. Even though society said Philemon should punish Onesimus, Paul requested he live out his faith and respond the way God had responded to Philemon: in love, mercy, and forgiveness. By forgiving Onesimus Philemon would be showing society what God looks like; God looks like a loving Father and now His children love one another as He loves them.

Imagine the message Philemon would send to those around him if not only he forgave Onesimus but freed him? It would speak volumes