Who was Onesimus?

Reconciled runaway slave.

The story of Onesimus

Onesimus - 

Onesimus was a slave in the New Testament of the Bible. He was owned by Philem…
Onesimus - Onesimus was a slave in the New Testament of the Bible. He was owned by Philem…

Onesimus was a slave in the New Testament of the Bible. He was owned by Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae. Onesimus was converted to Christianity by the Apostle Paul, who wrote a letter to Philemon asking him to forgive Onesimus and accept him as a brother in Christ. Onesimus is best known for his role in the New Testament as a slave who was converted to Christianity by the Apostle Paul. He is also known for his role in the reconciliation between Paul and Philemon. Onesimus' parents and siblings are not mentioned in the Bible. Onesimus is mentioned in the New Testament book of Philemon. In the letter, Paul asks Philemon to forgive Onesimus and accept him as a brother in Christ. Paul also encourages Philemon to treat Onesimus as he would treat Paul himself. Onesimus is best known for his role in the reconciliation between Paul and Philemon. He is also known for his conversion to Christianity and his role in the New Testament.

Name meaning

The name "Onesimus" is of Greek origin and means "useful" or "profitable." It is most notably associated with a figure mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. Onesimus was a slave who became a Christian and is the subject of the Apostle Paul's Epistle to Philemon. The name reflects the positive transformation of character and utility, highlighting a theme of redemption and renewal.

Name origin

Greek

First mention

Colossians 4:9

Appearances in the Bible

2 mentions

Onesimus in the Bible

Explore all 2 chapters where Onesimus appears

Colossians

Chapter 4

Christian Conduct and Relationships

Paul instructs the Colossians on how to conduct themselves as Christians, including how to treat each other, how to comm...

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Philemon

Chapter 1

Paul's Plea for Philemon's Forgiveness

Paul writes to Philemon, a fellow Christian, on behalf of Onesimus, a slave who had run away and had become a believer i...

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