Colossians 4:9 – “He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul introduces Onesimus, who is traveling with Tychicus to deliver the letter to the Colossians. Paul calls Onesimus “our faithful and dear brother” and reminds the Colossians that Onesimus “is one of you.” This phrase carries deep meaning because Onesimus was not just any believer-he was a runaway slave from Colossae who had come to faith in Christ.

The story of Onesimus is told in more detail in the letter to Philemon. Onesimus had fled from his master, Philemon, who was also a Christian in the Colossian church. At some point, Onesimus met Paul in prison, became a follower of Jesus, and was now returning home-not just as a servant but as a brother in Christ.

Paul’s description of Onesimus as “faithful and dear” shows that he had proven himself trustworthy since becoming a believer. His return to Colossae was a powerful testimony of God’s transforming grace. Instead of being seen as a runaway slave, he was now to be received as a fellow Christian.

Paul also says that Onesimus and Tychicus will share news about what is happening with Paul. This shows that they were not just messengers but also trusted representatives who could personally explain what Paul was going through.

Historical Context

During Paul’s time, slavery was a normal part of Roman society. Unlike more recent forms of slavery, Roman slaves came from many backgrounds and could sometimes earn their freedom. Onesimus had been a servant in Philemon’s household but had fled for reasons not entirely clear in Scripture.

Running away as a slave was dangerous. A captured runaway could face severe punishment, even death. But in God’s providence, Onesimus encountered Paul, heard the gospel, and was changed forever. Instead of remaining in hiding, he was now courageously returning to Colossae, carrying Paul’s letters and facing an uncertain reception.

Paul also wrote a personal letter to Philemon, asking him to welcome Onesimus back as a brother in Christ rather than as a mere servant (Philemon 1:15-16). This was a radical request in a society where slaves were seen as property. It demonstrated the power of the gospel to break social barriers and create true unity in Christ.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the transforming power of the gospel. Onesimus went from being a runaway slave to a beloved brother in Christ. This shows that in God’s kingdom, past mistakes do not define a person’s future.

It also teaches Christian reconciliation. Onesimus had wronged Philemon, but through Christ, relationships could be restored. The gospel calls believers not only to be forgiven by God but also to seek peace and restoration with one another.

Paul’s mention of Onesimus also speaks to the unity of the church. In Christ, distinctions like slave and free, rich and poor, Jew and Gentile no longer divide people. As Galatians 3:28 states, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is important:

• “Our faithful and dear brother” – Paul affirms Onesimus’ character. He is not just a former slave-he is now a fellow believer, valued and loved.
• “Who is one of you” – Paul reminds the Colossians that Onesimus belongs to them, reinforcing that he should be welcomed as an equal.
• “They will tell you everything that is happening here” – By grouping Onesimus with Tychicus, Paul is showing that Onesimus is now a trusted partner in ministry. He is not returning in shame but as an important messenger.

Paul’s careful wording helps smooth Onesimus’ return and encourages the Colossians to see him as a transformed person in Christ.

Biblical Cross-References

• Philemon 1:15-16 – “Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever-no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.”
• Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
• Ephesians 6:9 – “And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.”
• Colossians 3:11 – “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond God’s redemption. Onesimus had a troubled past, but through Christ, he was completely transformed. The same is true for anyone who turns to Jesus–God changes lives and restores broken relationships.

It also teaches that our identity in Christ is greater than our past or our social status. Onesimus had been a slave, but now he was called a brother. This truth is especially important today, as people often define themselves by their past mistakes, career status, or social standing. In Christ, believers are part of God’s family, regardless of their background.

Finally, this verse encourages believers to seek reconciliation. Onesimus had to face Philemon, and Philemon had to choose whether to forgive. Christians today are called to restore broken relationships whenever possible, living out the forgiveness that Christ has shown to us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in how He redeems and restores people. He does not leave people trapped in their past. Instead, He offers forgiveness, a new identity, and a place in His family.

God also cares about relationships being restored. Through Paul’s encouragement, God was working to bring healing between Philemon and Onesimus. This reflects His greater work of reconciling people to Himself through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus came to set captives free-not just physically, but spiritually. Onesimus’ story mirrors what Jesus does for every believer.

• Luke 4:18 – “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”
• John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Onesimus was physically a slave, but he found true freedom in Christ. Jesus offers that same freedom to all who believe in Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Onesimus’ transformation encourage you in your own walk with God?
2. Are there areas in your life where you need to seek reconciliation with someone?
3. How does this verse challenge the way you view people with troubled pasts?
4. What does it mean to you that your identity in Christ is greater than your past?
5. How can you reflect God’s love and forgiveness in your relationships?

This verse is a powerful testimony of redemption. Onesimus was once lost, but through Christ, he became a faithful brother. His story reminds us that God is always in the business of changing lives and restoring relationships.