Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

ONESIMUS

(Gk. Onḗsimos)

A slave who is the subject of Paul’s Letter to Philemon. Paul plays on the meaning of his name (“useful” or “profitable,” a common slave name) in his appeal on behalf of Onesimus because of his usefulness during Paul’s imprisonment (Phlm. 11). Onesimus had apparently run away from Philemon and encountered Paul during his captivity in Rome. Why he traveled to Rome from Colossae (a considerable distance) and how he avoided capture as a fugitive slave remains a mystery. Paul converted Onesimus and returned him to Philemon bearing the intercessory letter on his behalf, and perhaps the letter to the Colossians (cf. Col. 4:9) as well. It is unclear if Onesimus had wronged his master (Phlm. 18-19) or had simply run away. In either case, as a slave he was liable to the whims of his master regarding the severity of his punishment. Paul’s appeal suggests the return of Onesimus to him in Rome and leniency from Philemon because of Onesimus’ conversion. He implores Philemon to receive the slave as a “beloved brother” and does not specifically request emancipation, although it may be implied.

Ignatius’ letter to the Ephesians (ca. 115 c.e.) mentions a bishop named Onesimus. While it is not impossible that this is the same figure, it is highly unlikely given the dating of Ignatius’ letter and the fact that the name Onesimus became more common within Christian circles in imitation of Philemon.

Matthew S. Collins

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

ONESIMUS

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)