Onesimus
Gentile Of Colossae (Colossians 4:9); ancestry not stated, generally understood to be a Gentile · Early Church · New Testament
- Name means
- 'profitable' or 'useful' (compare Philemon 1:11)
- Role
- Runaway slave who became a faithful brother in Christ
- When
- c. AD 60-62
What they did
Once unprofitable to his master Philemon, he was converted through Paul in prison and sent back, no longer as a slave only but as a brother beloved; Paul calls him 'a faithful and beloved brother'.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
His changed life shows that Christ makes new creatures and gives every believer, whatever their station, equal standing in God's family.
Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? Philemon 1:16 (KJV)
Bible references
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: Philemon 1:10-11 (KJV)
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? Philemon 1:15-16 (KJV)
With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. Colossians 4:9 (KJV)
Family
Scripture records little about this person's family.