Holy Bible Online Onesimus was a slave of Philemon, but he ran away and ended up meeting the apostle Paul in prison. After being converted to Christianity through Paul, he became a useful and beloved co-worker. Paul wrote a letter to Philemon asking him to receive him back, no longer as a slave but as a brother in Christ. He interceded for his reconciliation and forgiveness.
According to the Bible, Onesimus fled from his master, possibly taking something of value. During his escape he met Paul, who was in prison. After meeting the apostle, Onesimus came to Christ and became a faithful disciple.
Onesimus was the slave of Philemon, a Christian from Colossae, to whom the apostle Paul wrote a brief but profound letter. In his letter, Paul begins by interceding for Onesimus:
yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,who became my son while I was in chains.
- Philemon 1:9–10
The central theme of Paul’s letter to Philemon is reconciliation and Christian love. Paul writes on behalf of Onesimus, asking Philemon to receive him “no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother.”
Paul does not appeal to apostolic authority, but to love, giving an example of humility and brotherhood. He also offers to repay any loss caused by Onesimus:
If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back not to mention that you owe me your very self.
- Philemon 1:18–19
The main parts of the letter include the greeting and thanksgiving, the plea on behalf of Onesimus, and the conclusion with a final blessing. The story of Onesimus symbolizes the transforming power of the gospel, which restores relationships and breaks down social barriers in Christ.
In Paul's intercession for Onesimus, we see a reflection of Christ Himself. Paul offered to pay Onesimus’ debt, while Jesus fully paid our debt on the cross. Paul appealed on the basis of love, and Christ Christ saves in love.
Biblical passage with Paul’s intercession on behalf of Onesimus
Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
I am sending him who is my very heart back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
- Philemon 8-21
Read also:
Paul in the Bible: Saul of Tarsus
Biblical characters: their story, characteristics, and importance
Bible stories