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Onesimus

Onesimus Runaway Slave Converted by Paul

New Testamentc. AD 60 View journey on map

About Onesimus

Onesimus was a slave who ran away from his master Philemon, possibly after stealing from him. He met the imprisoned Paul in Rome and became a Christian through Paul's ministry. Paul wrote the letter to Philemon, sending Onesimus back with a plea for Philemon to receive him not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. This personal letter powerfully demonstrates the transforming power of the gospel in social relationships.

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Onesimus's Character Traits

TransformedUsefulBrother

Onesimus's Life Timeline

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  1. Flightc. AD 60

    Onesimus runs away from his master Philemon, possibly stealing from him.

    PHM 1:15, 18

  2. Conversionc. AD 60-62

    Onesimus meets Paul in Rome and is converted.

    PHM 1:10

  3. Returnc. AD 60-62

    Onesimus returns to Philemon carrying Paul's letter.

    PHM 1:12, COL 4:9

Who is linked to Onesimus

Onesimus's Key Relationships

Paul the Apostle
Paul the ApostleConvert

Spiritual Father - Paul called Onesimus 'my son whom I have begotten in my chains.'

Philemon
PhilemonMaster

Former Master - Now to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ.

Onesimus's Key Locations

Colossae
Colossae

Philemon's home where Onesimus would return.

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Rome
Rome

Where Onesimus was converted through Paul.

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Spiritual Lessons from Onesimus

Useless Becomes Useful

Paul makes a wordplay: Onesimus means 'useful.' Once he was useless to Philemon, but now he is useful to both Paul and Philemon. The gospel transforms people from useless runaway slaves into useful servants of Christ.

Key Verses about Onesimus

Philemon 1:10-18Colossians 4:9

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