The primary theme of the book of Philemon is forgiveness. In this letter from Paul to a fellow minister of the faith in Colosse, Philemon, we see how a Christian man intercedes for a newly converted Christian, a runaway slave named Onesimus, who may have also stolen from his master. It is clear that the relationship between Paul and Philemon is so strong that Paul takes for granted that his appeal for clemency will be granted.