Philemon

Wow, what a breath of fresh air.

Philemon is a very short book – just the one chapter – as it’s just a covering / reference letter. Paul sounds like he’s in good spirits – joking and looking forward to freedom despite still being in prison.

I honestly don’t know if he ever got out. It sounds like he’d have a good argument for it on good behaviour though.

I am sending him[his friend Onesimus]—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced.

- Philemon 12-14 (NIV)