This epistle shows a masterly, lovely example of Christian love. For there we see how St. Paul takes care of poor Onesimi and represents him against his Lord with all that he is able, and does not present himself otherwise than as if he himself were Onesimus who had sinned.
(2) But he does not do this by force or coercion, as he would be right, but expresses his right, so that he compels Philemon to forgive himself of his right.
Just as Christ did for us against God the Father, St. Paul also does for Onesimum against Philemon. For Christ has also declared himself right, and with love and humility has overcome the Father, so that he had to lay aside his wrath and justice, and take us into grace, for Christ's sake, who thus earnestly represents us, and so warmly takes care of us. For we are all his Onesimi, if we believe it.