Paul voluntarily proposes to assume the debt of another; he will make reparation for a crime committed by another, that the guilty one may be spared the disgrace of punishment, and may again enjoy the privileges which he has forfeited. The apostle well knew the severity which masters exercised towards their slaves, and that Philemon was much incensed at the conduct of his servant. He therefore approached him in a manner to arouse his deepest and tenderest feelings as a Christian. The conversion of Onesimus has made him a brother in the faith, and any punishment inflicted on this new convert from pagan darkness would be regarded by Paul as though inflicted on himself.{LP 287.1}

Paulus ville frivillig påtage sig gæld for andre; han vil gøre genrejsning efter en forbrydelse andre har begået, så den skyldige kan blive sparet for straffens vanære, og må nyde de privileiger som han var genstand for. Apostlen kendte godt til den strenghed som mestrene udviste imod deres slaver, og at Filemon var meget ophidset om sin tjeners optræden. Han nærmede ham på en måde der vækkede sine dybeste og ømmeste følelser som en kristen. Onesimus’ omvendelse har gjort ham til en bror i troen, og enhver afstrafning der påførtes denne nyomvendte fra det hendenske mørke, ville Paulus anse for at være påført ham selv.