Colossians 4:9
and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights the incredible transformation possible through Christ, as Paul introduces Onesimus, a former runaway slave, not just as a "brother" but as "faithful and beloved." This isn't just a nice sentiment; it’s a profound statement about how grace erases former status and sin, making him a respected peer to Tychicus and a fellow messenger of the gospel.
Paul is concluding his letter to the Colossians, entrusting Tychicus with delivering it and informing them of his situation. He adds Onesimus, a former runaway slave who is now a trusted brother in Christ, to accompany Tychicus. These two men are sent to give the Colossians a full personal report of everything happening with Paul, serving as his eyewitness messengers.
Imagine a runaway slave, someone who stole and fled, being called 'faithful' and 'beloved.' That's the incredible transformation Paul highlights with Onesimus.
A New Name
Onesimus was a runaway slave who had wronged his master, Philemon. In the Roman world, a runaway slave was practically a nobody, often branded or killed.
Radical Forgiveness
But through Paul, Onesimus met Jesus. This encounter didn't just offer forgiveness; it offered a completely new identity. Paul calls him 'faithful' and 'beloved brother.' This isn't just a kind word; it's a theological statement.
Belonging in Christ
Paul even states Onesimus is 'one of you' – meaning he belonged to the Colossian church. This powerfully illustrates that in Christ, our past mistakes and social standing don't define us. God's grace redefines our identity, making us cherished members of His family.
In a world rigidly divided by social status – master and slave, free and enslaved – the early church preached a radical message. What did that look like in practice?
Breaking Down Walls
Paul sends Onesimus, a former slave, alongside Tychicus, a trusted minister, as his messengers. He introduces Onesimus as a 'faithful and beloved brother,' using the same language he uses for Tychicus. This is revolutionary.
Equality in Christ
This elevated status for Onesimus challenges the deeply ingrained social hierarchies of the Roman world. Paul emphasizes that in Christ, the distinctions between slave and free lose their ultimate significance. Everyone is united as brothers and sisters in the same spiritual family.
A Powerful Testimony
By calling Onesimus 'one of you' (meaning from Colossae), Paul further bridges the social gap. He's essentially saying Onesimus is not just a brother in Christ, but a fellow countryman, worthy of the same respect and affection as anyone else in the church. This demonstrated equality was a powerful testament to the gospel's transforming power.
The verse highlights a dramatic transformation: Onesimus, once a runaway slave, is now presented by Paul as a beloved brother, carrying news from Paul himself. This underscores the radical social and spiritual leveling power of the gospel.
c. AD 55-60
Paul Imprisoned in Rome
The Apostle Paul is under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. During this time, he writes several letters, including Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
c. AD 55-60
Onesimus Flees and Encounters Paul
Onesimus, a slave owned by Philemon of Colossae, flees from his master and eventually meets Paul in Rome. Paul leads Onesimus to faith in Christ.
c. AD 55-60
Paul Writes the Letter to Philemon
Paul writes a personal letter to Philemon, urging him to forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus, and receive him back as a brother in Christ. This letter is sent with Onesimus himself.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul Writes to the Colossians
Paul dictates the Epistle to the Colossians, likely while in Roman imprisonment. He sends Tychicus to deliver the letter and provide an update on his situation, accompanied by Onesimus.
This passage details Onesimus's story directly, showing Paul's plea to Philemon to receive him back not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ, highlighting the transformative power of the Gospel.
Galatians 3:28This verse declares that in Christ, distinctions like slave and free no longer matter, underscoring Paul's radical redefinition of Onesimus's identity from a runaway slave to a 'faithful and beloved brother'.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27This passage uses the metaphor of the body to illustrate how all believers, despite their different roles and backgrounds, are essential parts of Christ's one body, reinforcing the idea of unity and mutual value.
Ephesians 6:5-9This section addresses both slaves and masters, urging mutual respect and fairness, and reflects the social and relational context in which Onesimus's transformation from slave to brother takes place.
vincentColossians 4:9: "With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here."
OnesimusSee on Plm 1:10.The faithful and beloved brotherWhom the Colossians had known only as the worthless, runaway slave. See Plm 1:11, Plm 1:16.
henryColossians 4:7-9: "All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:"
4:7-9 Ministers are servants to Christ, and fellow-servants to one another. They have one Lord, though they have different stations and powers for service. It is a great comfort under the troubles and difficulties of life, to have fellow Christians caring for us. Circumstances of life make no difference in the spiritual relation among sincere Christi…
The verse highlights the incredible transformation possible through Christ, as Paul introduces Onesimus, a former runaway slave, not just as a "brother" but as "faithful and beloved." This isn't just a nice sentiment; it’s a profound statement about how grace erases former status and sin, making him a respected peer to Tychicus and a fellow messenger of the gospel.
Paul is concluding his letter to the Colossians, entrusting Tychicus with delivering it and informing them of his situation. He adds Onesimus, a former runaway slave who is now a trusted brother in Christ, to accompany Tychicus. These two men are sent to give the Colossians a full personal report of everything happening with Paul, serving as his eyewitness messengers.
Paul is concluding his letter to the Colossians, entrusting Tychicus with delivering it and informing them of his situation. He adds Onesimus, a former runaway slave who is now a trusted brother in Christ, to accompany Tychicus. These two men are sent to give the Colossians a full personal report of everything happening with Paul, serving as his eyewitness messengers.
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Why send two men, and why specifically Onesimus, to deliver news? This wasn't just a casual update; it was a carefully chosen delegation.
The Weight of the Message
Paul sends both Tychicus and Onesimus to the Colossians. Tychicus, as noted earlier, is a trusted minister carrying general news. But Onesimus brings something extra.
Personal Testimony
Onesimus, being 'one of you' and having been personally converted through Paul's ministry, could offer a unique and intimate testimony. He could explain firsthand the events happening in Rome – Paul's circumstances, the state of the church, and the progress of the gospel – in a way that a letter might not fully convey.
Bearing Witness
The inclusion of Onesimus, especially given his background, lends significant weight to their message. Their joint testimony would serve as a powerful confirmation of Paul's word and a source of comfort and encouragement to the Colossian believers. It also shows the church's trust in Onesimus, now fully restored and integrated.
c. AD 60-62
Onesimus Returns to Colossae
Onesimus travels with Tychicus to Colossae, carrying Paul's letter. He is no longer a runaway slave but a 'faithful and beloved brother' in Christ, ready to report on events in Rome.
"and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here." — The verse highlights the incredible transformation possible through Christ, as Paul introduces Onesimus, a former runaway slave, not just as a "brother" but as "faithful and beloved." This isn't just…
