Even though Philemon had the legal right to punish Onesimus severely, Paul asked Philemon to “receive him kindly, ” on the basis of love and personal friendship. ​ — Philemon 10, 11, 15 - 18.
Paulus anus oma armast sõpra Fileemonit, et ta võtaks Oneesimose lahkesti vastu, kuigi tal olnuks õigus põgenenud orja karmilt karistada.