The slave Onesimus robbed his master, Philemon, and ran away, making his way to Rome and to Paul. Onesimus was still the property of Philemon, and Paul wrote to smooth the way for his return to his master.
Ito ang nagbigay daan sa pagtatagpo nila ni Pablo sa bilangguan. Pagaari pa rin ni Filemon si Onesimo kaya sinulatan ni Pablo si Filemon na muling tanggapin si Onesimo.