Lexical Summary Onésimos: Onesimus Original Word: Ὀνήσιμος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Onesimus. From oninemi; profitable; Onesimus, a Christian -- Onesimus. see GREEK oninemi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom onésis (use, profit, advantage) Definition "useful," Onesimus, a Christian NASB Translation Onesimus (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3682: ὈνήσιμοςὈνήσιμος, Ὀνησίμου, ὁ (i. e. profitable, helpful; from ὄνησις profit), Onesimus, a Christian, the slave of Philemon: Philemon 1:10; Colossians 4:9. (Cf. Lightfoots Commentary, introduction, Hackett in B. D.) Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Onesimus (Ὀνήσιμος) bears a name that means “useful” or “profitable.” In the providence of God, this common slave name becomes a living parable as his life is transformed from unprofitable fugitive to profitable minister of the gospel. Biblical Occurrences • Colossians 4:9 – “He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.” Historical Background: Slavery in the Roman World First-century slavery was pervasive throughout the Roman Empire, encompassing household servants, field laborers, tradesmen, and professionals. A runaway slave faced harsh penalties, including branding or death. Against this backdrop, the gospel’s proclamation of equality in Christ (Galatians 3:28) carried radical implications, confronting entrenched social structures without fomenting revolution but transforming hearts and relationships from within. Conversion and Discipleship While Paul was imprisoned (likely in Rome), Onesimus fled from his master, Philemon of Colossae, and came into contact with the apostle. Under Paul’s evangelistic ministry, Onesimus was converted: “whose father I became while in chains” (Philemon 1:10). The spiritual rebirth changed his identity from a law-breaking bondservant to Paul’s “faithful and beloved brother” (Colossians 4:9). Paul’s choice of paternal language underscores discipleship: he not only preached to Onesimus but nurtured him in the faith (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:15). Ministry Partnership with Paul During Paul’s imprisonment Onesimus rendered valuable service. Philemon 1:13 suggests that the apostle found him “useful” (employing a play on his name) for ministering to his needs. Paul nevertheless chose the harder course—sending him back to his legal owner in company with Tychicus (Colossians 4:7-9). This action modeled obedience to civil law (Romans 13:1) while exemplifying trust in the reconciling power of the gospel. Reconciliation and the New Family in Christ Paul’s letter to Philemon is a masterclass in gospel-motivated reconciliation. The apostle appeals “for love’s sake” (Philemon 1:9), urging Philemon to receive Onesimus “no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, a beloved brother” (Philemon 1:16). The cross makes payment for every debt (Philemon 1:18-19), creating a fellowship that transcends social hierarchy (Colossians 3:11). Onesimus’s restitution exemplifies repentance; Philemon’s reception illustrates forgiveness; Paul’s mediation reflects Christ’s own intercession (Hebrews 7:25). Theological Significance 1. Regeneration transforms social status into spiritual kinship. Legacy in Church Tradition Early Christian writers suggest that Onesimus later became a prominent leader, possibly the bishop of Ephesus mentioned by Ignatius of Antioch (Letter to the Ephesians 1.3). While not certain, the tradition reflects how the early Church viewed his story: an archetype of grace that lifts the lowly and equips them for oversight in God’s household. Applications for Contemporary Believers • No past failure places an individual beyond Christ’s redeeming reach. Summary Onesimus stands as a testimony to the power of the gospel to convert, reconcile, and commission. From runaway slave to beloved brother and co-laborer, his life proves that in Christ even the least can become profoundly “useful” for the advance of the kingdom. Forms and Transliterations Ονησιμον Ὀνήσιμον Ονησιμω Ὀνησίμῳ όνησιν σὺν Onesimo Onēsimō Onesímoi Onēsímōi Onesimon Onēsimon Onḗsimon sunLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Colossians 4:9 N-DMSGRK: σὺν Ὀνησίμῳ τῷ πιστῷ NAS: and with him Onesimus, [our] faithful KJV: With Onesimus, a faithful and INT: with Onesimus the faithful Philemon 1:10 N-AMS Strong's Greek 3682 |
    |