Onesimus
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Onesimus in the Bible?
Onesimus was a slave belonging to Philemon, a prominent member of the church in Colossae. After fleeing his master, he met the Apostle Paul while Paul was imprisoned in Rome, where he converted to Christianity. Paul sent him back to Colossae bearing the Epistle to Philemon, urging Philemon to receive him not merely as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Onesimus clarifies the social dynamics addressed in the Epistle to Philemon, illustrating how early Christian communities navigated the institution of slavery by redefining relationships through spiritual kinship rather than immediate legal abolition.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.