Bible Dictionary
Onesimus
Onesimus was a slave belonging to Philemon who encountered Paul in Rome and became a Christian. Paul sent him back to Philemon, urging that he be received no longer merely as a slave but as a beloved brother.
Biblical Usage
Paul described Onesimus as his spiritual child and commended him to the church at Colosse. The gospel transformed his relationship with Paul and Philemon, so that he was no longer regarded merely as a slave but as a brother in Christ.
Scripture References