Who was Onesimus
- Rita Egolf
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
Onesimus was a runaway slave from Colossae who encountered the apostle Paul, became a Christian, and was sent back to his master, Philemon, with Paul’s appeal for reconciliation and brotherhood. His story appears primarily in the New Testament letter Philemon, and later Christian tradition holds that he became a church leader. (Wikipedia)
Onesimus (Greek: Ὀνήσιμος) means “useful” or “profitable.” Paul uses this as a wordplay in Philemon 1:11.
He was a slave belonging to Philemon, a Christian in Colossae.
He ran away, likely after stealing from Philemon, and fled to Rome, where he encountered Paul.
Onesimus, it seems that God holds a unique affection for those who seek to escape. The pages of Scripture document numerous individuals who were inclined to flee. From Adam and Eve’s attempt to elude God, through Jacob’s escape from his brother, past generations of God’s people on the run, to that inner circle of disciples who fled from the garden when Jesus was captured, the Bible presents a collection of runaway lives. The profound love that God has for those who stray is elegantly demonstrated through the story of a slave named Onesimus.
It is not specified why Onesimus chose to leave Philemon’s house in Colosse. Ultimately, he and Paul had the pleasure of reuniting in Rome. While we may desire more information, Paul merely stated that Onesimus became a follower of Jesus. Subsequently, his spiritual growth led Paul to refer to him as a "faithful and beloved brother" (Col 4:9). Ultimately, Paul and Onesimus came to the conclusion that it was the appropriate moment for the runaway slave to return home. Paul composed a letter to his friend Philemon, kindly assuring him that Onesimus would now serve him with full dedication. While the prevailing culture granted masters total authority over their slaves and severe consequences often awaited a runaway, Paul encouraged Philemon to consider Onesimus more as a brother than merely as a slave. Paul graciously accepted responsibility for any restitution that Philemon may require from Onesimus. Despite the challenges he may encounter, Onesimus, the runaway slave who has embraced his faith, must return and confront his past life as a transformed individual.
When God finds those who have run away, He often guides them back to the very places and people they initially sought to escape. As God has become real in your life, how has your past taken on a new perspective? Do you have any unresolved situations from your past that you would like to discuss? How has your relationship with Christ provided you with new opportunities and resources to confront what you previously avoided?
Strengths and achievements
• Sought out and attentively listened to the message of the apostle Paul
• Developed into a capable believer and assistant to Paul during my time in Rome
• Returned to his previous master as a compliant servant
Shortcomings and errors
• He left his master, Philemon, insights from his life
• God is dedicated to the practice of radical forgiveness. • It is not possible to run from God and expect to find escape.
Important verses:
"It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord" (Philemon 1:15-16).
Onesimus is mentioned in Colossians 4:9 and is the subject of Paul’s letter to Philemon.
Why Onesimus Matters
1. A Living Example of Gospel Transformation
His life embodies the New Testament theme that Christ reshapes identity and relationships.
2. A Radical Reframing of Social Status
Paul’s letter to Philemon subtly undermines the master–slave hierarchy by grounding relationships in Christian brotherhood.
3. A Model of Reconciliation
The entire letter is a case study in:
restorative justice
forgiveness
the healing of broken relationships
4. A Window into Early Christian Ethics
Onesimus’ story forces readers to wrestle with how the gospel interacts with unjust social structures—especially slavery.
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