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.
Wakati wa huduma ya Paulo huko Efeso, Filemoni alikuwa pengine amesafiri kwenda mjini, akasikia mahubiri ya Paulo na akawa Mkristo. Mtumwa Onesimo alimwibia bwana wake, Filemoni, na kutoroka, akienda Roma na kwa Paulo. Onesimo alikuwa bado mali ya Filemoni, na Paulo aliandika kwa kulainisha njia ya kurudi kwake kwa bwana wake.