According to the Bible, Onesimus (sometimes spelled Onesiphorus) was a slave owned by the biblical character Philemon. He is mentioned several times in the New Testament. In the Bible, Onesimus appears to have been responsible for covering up Philemon’s financial indiscretions, though this is never made explicit. Onesimus is described as having run away from his master and having been converted to Christianity by the Apostle Paul while in captivity.
The story of Onesimus is mentioned four times in the New Testament. In the Epistle to Philemon, Paul personally requests of Philemon that he receive his runaway slave back with open arms. He states that he has become a Christian and that Philemon should consider him a brother in Christ rather than as a servant. In the Epistle to the Colossians, Paul confirms that Onesimus “is very dear to me” and calls for him to be sent back to him in Rome. Finally, in the Epistle to Timothy, Paul states a hope that Onesimus will visit him “shortly” and that his release from the slavery from which he had originally run away was “overdue”.
Today, the story of Onesimus is celebrated as one of redemption and redemption from evil in the form of enslavement. Scholars have considered that Onesimus’s redemptive journey could be seen as a metaphor for the redemption of all Christians from slavery to sin. The historicity of this story has been disputed, however, given its lack of mentions in other sources outside of the Bible. Nevertheless, it is clear that Onesimus’s story has played a significant role in the Christian faith throughout history.
The Issue of Slavery
Although Onesimus’s story appears in the New Testament, the narrative is silent on the issue of slavery, indicating an uncomfortable ambivalence towards the practice. Although Paul seems to accept Onesimus’s enslavement, he does not speak out against the practice itself. This is in contrast to other early Christian writers such as Clement of Alexandria, who called for the freeing of slaves from all masters, Christian or otherwise. Despite this, some have argued that Paul’s request for the voluntary release of Onesimus still sends a powerful message about the need for compassion and tolerance in all relationships.
Furthermore, the Epistle to Philemon also calls for the mutual respect between master and slave, wherein it is argued that a good master-slave relationship represented a moral ideal. Whatever the case, it is clear that the story of Onesimus has played an important role in the Christian tradition and has exposed the church to debates on the issue of slavery.
Life After Slavery
The Bible does not disclose what happened to Onesimus after his enslavement. Furthermore, there is no mention in the New Testament of him ever returning to his master, Philemon. This has led some to speculate that maybe he had left to serve the church, while others believe he may have remained in Rome. It is likely that if he had returned to his master, then his story in the New Testament may have been more ambiguous. The fact that it is quite specific in the Epistle indicates that he had not returned.
Regardless, the story of Onesimus has become a symbol of hope for many, as it speaks of the power of Christ to save even those in the most hopeless of situations. His story has become something of a model for Christians today to strive for, a reminder that even in the depths of slavery, there is hope in Christ.
Other Biblical References to Slavery
The story of Onesimus is just one of several stories in the Bible which discuss the issue of slavery. The New Testament also mentions several other slaves such as Onesimus’s fellow runaways Zenas and Apollos, the slave architect Epaphroditus, and the slave traders Syrophoenician Justus and Cornelius. Although slavery is not explicitly opposed, the stories indicate an ambivalence towards the practice which may display some doubt regarding its moral justification. Nonetheless, Onesimus’s story provides a point of comparison to other general statements related to slavery in the New Testament.
The Role of Onesimus in Christianity
Despite the ambiguities in the New Testament about slavery, it is clear that Onesimus’s story has played an important role in Christian theology. For centuries, Onesimus has been considered a particularly positive example of the ability of Christ to transform the lives of the most desperate. Even in the depths of enslavement, Onesimus was redeemed and allowed to rebuild his life. For this reason, he has been held up as a powerful example of salvation and hope.
Furthermore, Onesimus’s example has been held up by many Christian theologians as a symbol of the power of true Christian friendship. The openness of Philemon to receive Onesimus back despite his previous acts of slavery demonstrates his willingness to accept the old as people in favour of the new as friends. This theme of friendship is seen throughout the Epistle to Philemon and has served as an example of the type of relationship that Christians should strive for.
The Place of Onesimus in Today’s World
The relevance of the story of Onesimus cannot be overstated in today’s world. His story stands as a powerful reminder to all of us of the power of Christian love and compassion in the face of slavery, oppression, and injustice. It is also a reminder of the importance of mutual love and respect among all people, regardless of differences in class or status. His example is thus one of the central stories of Christian faith, as it reminds us of our own individual potential for transformation.
Moreover, Onesimus’s story is particularly poignant in today’s world, where slavery still exists in numerous forms. From human trafficking and forced labour, to the scourge of poverty that too many continue to endure, Onesimus’s story stands as a reminder of the power of Christ in transforming lives and as a call to action for Christians to oppose modern-day forms of enslavement wherever and whenever possible.
Onesimus as a Minister
Although Paul does not mention what became of Onesimus, there have been speculations that he may have gone to serve the church. According to tradition, Onesimus may have served as a bishop in the early Church in today’s Turkey, though this has been disputed. Other scholars have argued that Onesimus may have traveled with Paul and closed his own ministry in Ephesus. Nothing is known for sure, however, and the fate of Onesimus after the Epistle to Philemon remains a mystery.
Regardless, it is clear that Onesimus has played a significant role in the Christian faith throughout history. His story stands as a reminder of the power of Christian love and as a testament to the possibility of redemption even in the midst of oppression and slavery. Whether or not he went on to serve the church in any formal capacity, it is clear that his example has served as an inspiration to Christians for centuries and continues to do so today.
