Onesimus

Overview

Onesimus was a slave belonging to Philemon, a believer in Colossae, who apparently fled from his master, possibly after stealing from him, and made his way to Rome, where he encountered the imprisoned apostle Paul. Through Paul's ministry, Onesimus came to faith in Christ, becoming, in Paul's words, someone who was once 'unprofitable' but had 'now profitable' become, a play on his name, which means 'useful' or 'profitable.' Paul grew to love Onesimus deeply, calling him 'my son, whom I have begotten in my bonds,' and relied on his help during his imprisonment. Yet Paul recognized the necessity of restoring the relationship between Onesimus and Philemon, and sent him back carrying the letter now known as Philemon, urging his master to receive him no longer merely as a slave but as 'a brother beloved,' and even offering to personally repay anything Onesimus owed. The letter reveals no command forcing Philemon's hand but instead an appeal grounded entirely in Christian love and the new reality both men shared in Christ.