Source: http://www.spreaker.com/user/themorningmeditation/032-onesimus ONESIMUS Col. 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." Tychicus was commissioned by Paul to deliver this epistle to the Colossians. He was accompanied by Onesimus who was a runaway slave from Colosse to Rome and with this epistle he bears a private letter to Philemon, his owner. So Onesimus is returning to his owner to reenter the household of his master but he does it with an epistle from Paul that explains his conversion. As we study the life of Onesimus let's notice the following: THE MASTER OF ONESIMUS This master's name is Philemon. He owned Onesimus. He is an offended businessman. It is believed that Onesimus not only ran away from Philemon but also robbed him in the process (Encyclopedia of the Bible by Walter A Ewell). Philemon is a saved man converted under the ministry of Paul (Philemon 1:19). But Onesimus was not a saved slave when he left. Therefore this Christian business man would not look at it the same way as if Onesimus had been a Christian. And Onesimus did not look at it like he did after he became a Christian! Philemon had a RIGHT by law over Onesimus even after his conversion. Becoming a Christian does not free us from our legal obligations. Next we see, THE DEPARTURE OF ONESIMUS The Scofield Bible says in the introduction to the book of Philemon: "Onesimus, a slave of Philemon, a Christian of Colosse, had robbed his master and fled to Rome." His departure was not like the departure of the prodigal son. The prodigal departed with the reluctant permission of his father. Onesimus robbed his master and "bolted" as Guy King says in his book on Colossians. There is no indication of what he robbed his master of. But that he robbed him is universally accepted. Stealing is another word for robbery. It was a common practice in those days as much as it is now. Many missionaries have testified to me that the nationals where they minister believe that they are doing nothing wrong if what they take is what they need. Especially if you have more that one of the items that they take! After all, a lady doesn't need two earrings that are exactly alike! Or, a spare tire that you are not using! Paul had to instruct Christians in this matter.  Paul says in Ephesians 4:28, "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." The Ephesians past is recognized in the word "stole." The conversion of the Ephesians is seen in the instructions, "steal no more." The life style of the Christian is seen in the words, "but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." Onesimus was a man with a past. But it is good to be able to report, THE CONVERSION OF ONESIMUS Now how this took place, I am not for sure. He made it to Rome. Somehow he learned that Paul was a prisoner in this place. He may have met Paul when he was in the home of Philemon. On the other hand, someone may have found him and brought him to Paul who then led him to Christ. All we know for sure is that Onesimus became a new man in Christ. Man does not become a Christian gradually. Jesus is confrontational. One must face his sins. He must face his destiny. Onesimus did this. He no doubt was burdened by the weight of sin. He was a runaway slave and the law was not on his side. He was not only a runaway, he was a thief. And as we look back, he had to be under conviction. Because no man can come to Christ without it. Onesimus could run away from Philemon but he could not run away from God. God was on his trail. Do you remember Jonah? He discovered that God was in the OTHER DIRECTION ALSO. I am not for sure how it took place. But the good part to this story is that it did take place. Onesimus was in the presence of Paul. He told Paul his story and Paul told him of Christ.

• published: 13 Dec 2013
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