Onesimus

Now, do grant me this favor, my brother – such a Christian act

Would set my soul at rest.  As I send you this letter, I know

You’ll do what I ask – I believe, in fact, you’ll do more.

Philemon 1:20-21

The wonderful letter of Paul to Philemon, a leading member of the church at Colossae, reveals a story of betrayal, reformation and forgiveness.  Onesimus was a slave in Philemon’s house who ran away, made his way to Rome, met Paul, and was converted to Christianity.  We are not told the circumstances around Onesimus’ flight, only that he fled – a crime whose punishment was death.

Paul mentors Onesimus, building up his fledgling faith in Christ, until the time when Paul felt that he was strong enough to return to Philemon and face the music.  To smooth the way, Paul writes this wonderful letter, attesting to Onesimus’ new faith in Jesus Christ, his work for Paul and the Gospel, and the strong bond of love that had formed between the slave and the elderly man of God.  Paul calls on Philemon to accept Onesimus as a fellow Christian first, and a returning slave last.  Paul appeals to Philemon’s forgiveness to override any feelings of retribution.

Often the Bible does not reveal “the rest of the story”, but we do know what choice Philemon made.  In later letters to the churches under his pastoral care, Paul sends greetings to Onesimus and his family.

God’s love conquered all – just as Paul knew it would.