Philemon (fî-lç'mon), Epistle to. Written by Paul from Rome, probably near the close of a.d. 62. It is cited by Tertullian, Origen, and Eusebius. Onesimus, a servant of Philemon, had fled to Rome, was there converted, serving Paul for a season, but was sent back to his former master by Paul, who wrote this epistle, chiefly to conciliate the feelings of Philemon toward his penitent servant, and now fellow-disciple. Philem. 1.