This is Paul's usual written greeting.  But, unlike many social pleasantries (in Britain we ask, ‘How do you do?’ but nobody expects an honest answer!) it really means something.  Paul knew that only the grace of God can bring peace.  That is the gospel message for which he was in prison, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.  It was also his personal testimony for he admitted he was the worst of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).  If Jesus could save Paul, He can save anybody!  Nobody can have peace with God any other way (Romans 5:1).

Paul had not met Philemon before but knew about him from Epaphras, who planted the church in Colossae (Colossians 1:7) and was now a fellow prisoner (Philemon 1:23).  Philemon’s house then became the gathering place for the believers (Philemon 1:2).  In writing the letter to the Colossians, couriered by Tychicus and Onesimus, Philemon’s repentant runaway slave, Paul was entrusting Philemon with the spiritual responsibility of delivering God’s Word to the church.  Paul describes this as ‘partnership in the faith’.

Paul's love for those who helped him was big enough to let them go! So he sent Onesimus, the

Repentance is essential for reconciliation. If there is no penitence, there can be no fellowship.