The BibleGospel Companion

Onesimus

Ὀνήσιμος · Onēsimos · G3682“profitable; useful” Hitchcock's 18694 mentions in 2 books, most in Colossians (2)

Who he was

Onesimus was a slave who belonged to Philemon, a Christian from Colossae (Colossians 4:9). He ran away from his master and, in some way, came into contact with the apostle Paul while Paul was in prison (Philemon 1:10). Through Paul's ministry, Onesimus became a Christian and proved to be a valuable companion and helper to Paul (Philemon 1:11–13). Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon with a personal letter, urging Philemon to receive Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:16–17). Paul also offered to pay any debt that Onesimus might owe to Philemon (Philemon 1:18–19). The letter to Philemon is a powerful example of Christian love, forgiveness, and the transforming power of the gospel in human relationships. Onesimus is also mentioned as a faithful and beloved brother in Paul's letter to the Colossians (Colossians 4:9).

Article: STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0

Every mention

4 references, counted from STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0 · verse text: World English Bible (public domain)

Colossians 2 mentions

Colossians 4:9together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here.Colossians 4:18I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

Philemon 2 mentions

Philemon 1:10I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have become the father of in my chains,Philemon 1:25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

What the dictionary says

Useful, a slave who, after robbing his master Philemon at Colosse, fled to Rome, where he was converted by the apostle Paul, who sent him back to his master…

Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
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Sources