Name Information
Onesimus was a runaway slave of Philemon who encountered Paul and became a Christian. Paul sent him back to Philemon with the letter of Philemon, urging his master to receive him not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ.
Roles
Relationships
Story
Fled from his master Philemon and encountered Paul, likely in prison.
Converted to Christ through Paul’s ministry.
Sent back to Philemon with Paul’s appeal for forgiveness and reconciliation.
Later served faithfully in the church, mentioned alongside Tychicus in Colossians.
Spiritual Significance
- 1A slave who became a believer through Paul’s ministry.
- 2Returned to his master with Paul’s letter urging reconciliation.
- 3Described by Paul as 'our faithful and dear brother.'
What We Can Learn
- 1Christ transforms social status and identity into brotherhood.
- 2The gospel brings reconciliation and equality in the family of God.
- 3Even a runaway or outcast can become useful in God’s service.
Memory Verses
“He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.”
Key Passages
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