Paul believed that Philemon's slave, Onesimus, had run away, with goods stolen from his master and later sought refuge in Rome where he met Paul in prison. Apostle Paul wrote a letter seeking forgiveness for his runaway slave to Philemon. Since Paul converted Philemon, he would have expected him to oblige his request and abide by his will, but because of his conviction it would be wrong to assume such authority over his spiritual son, ( Philemon). He rather preferred to write him not as a command but with a spirit of love and persuasion, on behalf of Onesimus who had become his (Paul's) own son in Christ. His letter was necessary since Onesimus has become a born-again Christian. Paul taught it wise to send Onesimus back to Philemon with love. Ordinarily he would have liked to retain Onesimus as his assistant, but he rather opted to send him to his master. Since it was Paul's strong conviction that Onesimus departure from Philemon was for his moral and spiritual growth,now that forgiveness is in place there would be permanent reconciliation between Master and slave. Onesimus would now be accepted back as a Christian brother not as a slave.Paul believed that if Philemon still regarded him as a true Christian partner and brother, he should extend a similar regard to Onesimus and accepted his claim to undertake all outstanding bills that Onesimus must have owed him, with the view to paying them. Paul believed that if his plea to Philemon for Onesimus should succeed he would be spiritually refreshed.