Enslaved Man, Later a Brother in Christ
Onesimus
oh-NESS-ih-mus
An enslaved man who fled from his owner Philemon, met Paul in prison and was converted, then was sent back carrying the letter in which Paul pleaded for him to be received 'no longer as a bondservant but... a beloved brother.'
Life and work
Onesimus belonged to Philemon, a Christian in Colossae, and at some point ran away from him — possibly after stealing from him, based on Paul's offer to cover whatever Onesimus 'owes.' However he ended up there, Onesimus crossed paths with Paul during one of Paul's imprisonments and became a Christian, quickly making himself useful enough that Paul calls him 'my very heart' and says he would gladly have kept him to help with the work of the gospel (Philemon 1:10-13).
Instead, Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon with a letter carefully appealing — not commanding — that he be welcomed back not as property to be punished but as a brother, promising to personally repay any debt (Philemon 1:14-19). Paul later mentions him again alongside Tychicus as a faithful and beloved brother carrying news to the Colossian church (Colossians 4:9), suggesting the reconciliation held.
- Occupation
- Enslaved household servant.
- Places
- Colossae; later traveled to Paul's place of imprisonment (likely Rome or Ephesus) and back.
Extra-biblical evidence
No extra-biblical record confirms what became of Onesimus after the events described in Philemon and Colossians; any connection to a later bishop of the same name is speculative and unverifiable.
Scripture references
- Philemon 1:10-19 — Paul appeals for Onesimus's reconciliation with Philemon
- Colossians 4:9 — Paul commends him as a faithful and beloved brother
Reflect
Onesimus went back to face the man he had wronged, letter in hand — is there a hard return trip you've been avoiding?
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