Paul (v17) continues to speak for Onesimus, asking Philemon to receive him as he would receive Paul. Paul is sticking his neck out for his new brother in the Lord. He also offers to pay Onesimus’ debt (v18). In Paul’s actions we see the love of Christ shining through. Jesus at great cost to Himself, took the debt of His people for sin upon Himself on the cross. In response to this love we are to show practical and sacrificial love to others, even sticking out our necks for them. (see 1 John 3v16)

Paul writing with his own hand (v19) and not dictating this letter to a secretary which would have been his normal practice, shows his sincerity about this issue. He also seeks for Philemon to get things into perspective considering what he himself owes Paul. This is presumably in reference to Paul teaching the Gospel through which he was saved. When we consider how others have wronged and let us down, we need always to remember how we wrong and let others down, particularly in how often we fail Christ.