JOY FROM YOU. v.20 The address of "brother" to Philemon from the older brother Paul was an appeal to him to act in grace, receive Onesimus back, forgive him, restore him to his work, and as a brother in Christ to him. Paul would be greatly refreshed in his heart and in the Lord, who does bring about reconciliation in the family of God. Reconciliation comes when we act in a Christ-like way towards others in a way appropriate to redeemed believers in Christ. He knew his friend would do above and beyond the request he made. There was likely no question about the outcome because Paul knew his friend.
The fact that this letter is in the pages of the scriptures is enough to know that the result was what Paul expected. When we know a person well as a brother in Christ, and some charges are laid against him or some innuendo is raised, do not respond by condemnation, but remember who he is and who he belongs to as a child of God. Do not accept everything others may say about your friend as true.