Topical Bible: Servants: Good: Onesimus After his Conversion

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Topical Encyclopedia

Onesimus, a figure in the New Testament, is a notable example of a servant who underwent a profound transformation after his conversion to Christianity. His account is primarily documented in the Epistle to Philemon, a personal letter written by the Apostle Paul.

Background and Context

Onesimus was originally a slave belonging to Philemon, a Christian leader in Colossae. It is believed that Onesimus fled from Philemon, possibly after committing some wrongdoing, and eventually encountered Paul while the apostle was imprisoned in Rome. During this time, Onesimus became a Christian under Paul's mentorship.

Conversion and Transformation

The conversion of Onesimus is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. Paul describes Onesimus as "formerly useless" to Philemon but now "useful both to you and to me" (Philemon 1:11). This play on words highlights the change in Onesimus's character and usefulness, as his name means "useful" or "profitable."

Paul's letter to Philemon is a heartfelt appeal for Onesimus, whom Paul refers to as "my very heart" (Philemon 1:12). This indicates the deep bond that had formed between Paul and Onesimus, underscoring the spiritual father-son relationship that often developed between Paul and his converts.

Reconciliation and Restoration

Paul's intercession on behalf of Onesimus is a powerful example of Christian reconciliation and the breaking down of social barriers. Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesimus "no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother" (Philemon 1:16). This request reflects the radical equality and unity that the Gospel brings, transcending societal norms and divisions.

Paul also offers to repay any debt Onesimus might owe, stating, "If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me" (Philemon 1:18). This act of advocacy and willingness to bear Onesimus's burden is a reflection of Christ's own sacrificial love and atonement for humanity.

Legacy and Impact

The account of Onesimus serves as an enduring example of the redemptive power of Christ and the transformative impact of Christian fellowship. Onesimus's journey from a runaway slave to a beloved brother in Christ illustrates the potential for personal renewal and the breaking of chains—both literal and metaphorical—through faith.

Tradition holds that Onesimus may have later become a leader in the early church, possibly even serving as a bishop. While historical evidence is limited, this tradition underscores the significant role that converted servants like Onesimus played in the spread of Christianity and the establishment of the early church.

In summary, Onesimus's account is a powerful narrative of conversion, reconciliation, and the transformative power of the Gospel, demonstrating the profound changes that can occur when individuals embrace their identity in Christ.

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

In Rome
... The apostle reminded Philemon that every good purpose and ... to assume the debt of Onesimus,
Paul reminded ... were more indulgent toward their servants; but the vast ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I.
... shall be shaken," because their fellow-servants are required ... energy, and shall run
this good race with ... blessed Paul not only welcomes Onesimus the unprofitable ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/an exhortation to theodore after.htm

Rom. xv. 25-27
... 16:19.) And when writing about Onesimus, "Paul unto ... why do I mention the three hundred
and eighteen servants? ... dead corpses, this shineth in a good soul alone ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxx rom xv 25-27.htm

The Epistles of Paul.
... and wives, as parents and children, as masters and servants. ... the apostle speaks simply
of the good report which had ... It is a plea for Onesimus, the servant of ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxx the epistles of.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... Onesimus could not then have been a slave, for slaves do not ... God," having received
the glorious welcome of "well done good and faithful servants, enter ye ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

Christianity in Rome.
... Tychicus from Ephesus; Epaphras and Onesimus from Colossae ... the skilled artisans,
the confidential servants and retainers ... common people, whether for good or for ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 36 christianity in rome.htm

Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
... shame, [3202]480; power of, shown when His servants are oppressed ... Onesimus, a true
and not a true son, [3604]521 ... 3605]551; his fault overruled to good, [3606]552 ...
/.../homilies on the epistles to.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... be left to intermix freely with servants or friends ... what children happy, [928]351;
good, meet their ... Philippians, [1092]ib.; their fruitfulness after they had ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

[Endnotes]
... and Nathanael were learned men, but of this there is no good evidence. ... ip122), that
the first visit of Paul to Jerusalem after his conversion took place about ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... whom thou thyself shalt choose, together with three servants, who may ... and this Spirit
He himself sent after He had ... in the Scriptures, it hath seemed good to us ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm