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In sending Onesimus back, Paul requests Philemon not to treat him as a vagrant slave, but to receive him as a Christian brother. The apostle puts himself on the line personally in behalf of Onesimus: “Welcome him as you would welcome me” (v.17). “If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything . . . I will pay it back” (vv.18-20).
Obviously, Paul’s appeal is strong, undergirded by his own affection for Onesimus and his personal identification with him. The apostle is confident that Philemon, if he considers him a partner (v.17), will do even more than Paul asks (v.21). So he sends the slave, now a converted Christian believer, back to his Christian master, appealing for treatment that will accord with Christian love.
The appeal to love (agape) as the principal motive and norm of Christian conduct is, of course, central to Wesleyan theology. Its transforming effect, not only on persons but also on society, is exemplified in this letter. Wesleyans find in Paul’s attitude and action a model for Christian faith, “expressing itself through love” (Gal 5:6).