Topical Bible: Servants: Bad: Onesimus Before his Conversion

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Topical Encyclopedia

Onesimus, a figure mentioned in the New Testament, is primarily known from the Epistle to Philemon. Before his conversion to Christianity, Onesimus is depicted as a runaway slave who had wronged his master, Philemon. The name "Onesimus" means "useful" or "profitable," yet his actions prior to his conversion were contrary to the meaning of his name.

Background and Context

Onesimus was a slave belonging to Philemon, a Christian and a leader in the Colossian church. The epistle addressed to Philemon by the Apostle Paul provides the primary source of information about Onesimus. It is believed that Onesimus fled from Philemon's household, possibly having stolen from him, as inferred from Paul's letter: "But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to my account" (Philemon 1:18).

Onesimus' Actions

The act of fleeing from his master was a serious offense in the Roman world, where slavery was a common institution. A runaway slave like Onesimus would have been considered a criminal, subject to severe punishment if caught. His actions would have been seen as a breach of trust and a disruption to the social order of the time.

Paul's Intervention

Onesimus' journey eventually led him to Rome, where he encountered the Apostle Paul, who was under house arrest. Through Paul's ministry, Onesimus became a Christian. The transformation in Onesimus' life is a testament to the power of the Gospel to change hearts and lives. Paul writes to Philemon, appealing for Onesimus' acceptance not merely as a returning slave but as a "beloved brother" in Christ: "For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good—not as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother" (Philemon 1:15-16).

Theological Implications

Onesimus' account before his conversion highlights themes of redemption and reconciliation. His initial status as a "bad" servant is transformed through the grace of God, mediated by Paul's intercession. This narrative underscores the Christian belief in the transformative power of faith and the call to forgive and restore relationships within the body of Christ.

Conclusion

The account of Onesimus serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for change and redemption in every individual, regardless of past actions. His account, as recorded in the Epistle to Philemon, continues to inspire discussions on forgiveness, social justice, and the Christian understanding of servitude and freedom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philemon 1:11
Which in time past was to you unprofitable, but now profitable to you and to me:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I.
... shall be shaken," because their fellow-servants are required ... he ever had his sin
before his eyes, as ... blessed Paul not only welcomes Onesimus the unprofitable ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/an exhortation to theodore after.htm

Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
... Onesimus, a true and not a true son, [3604]521; a ... shared fairly even now by good
and bad, [3744]411. ... Servants, advice to, [3823]533 sq.; may gain the regard of ...
/.../homilies on the epistles to.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... would have given up, for the sake of God's servants, [1167]358. ... Egypt, bad character
of, [1273]358 ... to show His priority, [1379]213; we stand before, when judged ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... Each one hastened to abandon his most important duties ... out of their carriages, ran
humbly before their slaves ... of rank between masters and servants was changed. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... them to him at the time of their conversion; for the ... 45:14; 1 Corinthians 1). A man
giveth his daughter to ... is, that all that the Father hath, before the world ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm