Who was Onesimus?
Quick answer
Onesimus was a runaway slave who met Paul in prison, became a Christian, and was sent back to his master Philemon with the letter we know as Philemon. Paul urged Philemon to receive him no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother.
Roman law allowed harsh punishment for runaway slaves. Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would Paul himself.
Tradition holds that Onesimus later became a bishop — the church valued the redeemed runaway.
Philemon is a masterclass in tactful, gospel-rooted persuasion — and a quiet revolution against slavery from inside the church.
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Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.