Most New Testament letters begin with a prayer that believers would receive grace or mercy and peace from God (e.g., Romans 1:7; 1 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; 1 Peter 1:2; Revelation 1:4). Paul is thus praying for God’s blessing upon Philemon, his family, and the church that meets in his home. Grace refers to the underserved love of God that has been shown toward sinners. Peace is a reference to the reconciliation that Christians have with God through faith in Jesus Christ.1 For the letter of Philemon, the concepts of grace and peace will form the foundation of his argument where human forgiveness and reconciliation form the proper response to divine grace.2
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.