The slave too is now a brother in Christ, beloved by Paul: surely he will be beloved by Philemon also. Raymond Westbrook (ed). before marriage) are intended "to remove [the captor's] desire for her, so that he not take her as wife". But several early Christian sources quoted Genesis 1:1 to say: "In the son God created heaven and earth.". It reads: The prospect of manumission is an idea prevalent within the New Testament. [65] Nachmanides argued that it was a biblically commanded duty to liberate a slave who had been harmed in this way. Onsimos Strong's Concordance Onsimos: "useful," Onesimus, a Christian Original Word: , , Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Onsimos Phonetic Spelling: (on-ay'-sim-os) Definition: "useful", Onesimus, a Christian Paul does not go into detail as to how Onesimus was useful or what roles he served. Paul would even then have felt that he was in fact receiving a "good" at the expense of Philemon, but it would not be a voluntary favor on his part. The past history of Onesimus had been such as to belie the meaning of his name. [7], The earlier[33][34][35][36] Covenant Code instructs that, if a thief is caught after sunrise and is unable to make restitution for the theft, then the thief should be enslaved. And if he does not do these three for her, then she shall go out free, without paying money. And if a man sells his daughter to be a slave, she shall not go out as the male slaves do. `Receive him,' says the apostle, `for he is my own very heart' (Philemon 1:12). This was not a new thing, but highly effective indeed. [1], We have no reliable account of Onesimus subsequent history; but we may accept as in itself highly credible the tradition (Apost. [20], According to many Jewish commentators, the laws of the captive woman are not intended to encourage capture and forced marriage of women, but rather view it as inevitable in wartime and seek to minimize its occurrence and brutality. 1915. The book of Philemon is a personal letter from the apostle Paul to his friend Philemon whom he calls a "dear friend and fellow worker" ( Philemon 1:1 ). Formerly, or until now, Onesimus was useless to Philemon because he had run away. The temple was finally destroyed simply because certain Jewish factions (known as Zealots) foolishly decided to raise up arms against the Roman army. Although our cultural relationships may look different . In his influential tragedy Ajax, the poet Sophocles had explained that after the period described in Homer's Iliad, but prior to the Trojan war's end, the Greek hero Ajax had been terribly upset because Achilles' armor was given to Odysseus instead of to him, and had vowed to kill the latter. The Suitors decided to mock the old man, and one of them uttered the famous words: "Would that the fellow might find profit (, onesis) by proving that he can string this bow" (Od.21.401). How are Philemon and Onesimus brothers in the flesh? Meaning & History Latinized form of the Greek name (Onesimos), which meant "beneficial, profitable". The name Onesimus means Will Be Useful, Profitable or Beneficial but serves in the New Testament as part of Paul's perpetual plea to resist the temptation of taking up arms against an enemy that can't be beaten, and who will destroy and annihilate anyone foolish enough to try. Because Onesimus encountered Paul, and from this interaction came to believe in Jesus, he was forever changed. Now that Onesimus was in Rome what a strange coincidence Paul also was in Rome. 11 who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. He could not forget that his master's house in Colosse was the place where the Christians met in their weekly assemblies for the worship of Christ. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. [109] According to Catholic tradition, Philemon freed Onesimus.[110]. Onesimus had evidently stolen his master's goods before leaving Colosse, but in regard to that the apostle writes that if he has defrauded Philemon in anything, he becomes his surety. What brought him into contact with Paul we do not know. [37], There were two words used for female slaves, which were amah () and shifhah (). The appeal is for Philemon to forgive Onesimus, his runaway slave, who also came to Christ through Pauls ministry. Slavery and Other Forms of Unfree Labour 86 (1988): 101. God has placed the cross for all to come to for forgiveness and the cross is level ground where the rich and the poor, the free and the slave, and the male and the female are seen as equal before God. The letter which Paul wrote to Philemon became canonized. As it were of necessity ( ). Onesimus later came to be known as Onesimus of Byzantium and The Holy Apostle Onesimus in some of the Eastern Orthodox churches and was also referred to as Ignatius of Antioch as Bishop in Ephesus. 15 For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. This is likely Pauls way of asking Philemon to emancipate Onesimus and grant him his liberty. But willingly - As it would be if he had given his consent that Onesimus should remain with him. Paul told Philemon that Onesimus was a beloved brother, especially to me. Gn. 35:22; 2Sam. Additionally, Paul asks Philemon to send Onesimus back to him in Rome because he has been a great help to him and his ministry during his imprisonment there. Paul suggested to Philemon that perhaps the reason God allowed Onesimus to run away, was so that he could find Christ and become a member of Jesuss forever family together with Philemon. These slaves could be sold or given away as needed, and they also showed that the family was capable of providing generous amounts of money to their daughters when they were married off. George B. Cheever, D.D. So, Paul made the difficult but loving choice to have Onesimus sent back to Philemon in person. Was it because he had the customary hole in his ear that marked that of a slave and when the Roman authorities saw it, he was thrown into prison with Paul? Jeremiah 34:14), in which both male and female Israelite servants were to be given release in the seventh year. He furnishes Onesimus with a letter written by himself to Philemon. [23], The Deuteronomic Code forbids the Israelites from handing over fugitive slaves to their masters or oppressing them, and instructs that these fugitives should be allowed to reside where they wish. It is an eternal fact that every believer in Jesus, regardless of their station in life, or what they have done, is a member of Gods forever family. Paul and Timothy make a personal plea to Philemon, a Colossian believer whom Paul mentored into Christ. Should not be as it were of necessity - As it would be it Paul should detain Onesimus with him without affording Philemon an opportunity of expressing his assent. Throughout his epistle, Paul has referred to Timothy, Philemon, and Apphia as brother (Philemon 1:1, 1:7) or sister (Philemon 1:2). The phrase, sending my very heart, reveals Pauls affection for Onesimus and the pain and difficulty he felt about sending his beloved child to answer for the crime he committed. That thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly: But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers. He found his way to Rome, where evil men tended to flock as to a common center, as Tacitus tells us they did at that period. Paul was essentially telling Philemon that he was to treat Onesimus and hold him in the same regard as Paul treated and regarded Philemon. Providentially, Onesimus encountered Paul in Rome where the apostle was serving time in prison. Jack is also the Senior Writer at What Christians Want To Know whose mission is to equip, encourage, and energize Christians and to address questions about the believers daily walk with God and the Bible. With what exquisite delicacy is Onesimus introduced! He returned as a beloved brother. Most forms of early Christianity were illegal in the Roman empire (on account of them being "atheistic", that is without idols, and their objections to the obligatory worship of the state and emperor) and Paul would have been very careful with using his friends' real names. The appeal is for Philemon to forgive Onesimus, his runaway slave, who also came to Christ through Pauls ministry. Paul hoped that Philemon would choose what was best and return Onesimus to Rome where he could continue to minister to him in his imprisonment for the gospel. Early in the epistle, Paul writes a prayer of blessing upon Onesiphorus: "May the Lord show mercy to . In the epistle, Paul pled with Philemon to free the servant because Onesimus had been so helpful to the apostle. Suppose, as seems to have been the case, that Onesimus "owed" Philemon PLamentations 1:18, and then suppose that Paul had chosen to retain him with himself, and had dissuaded him from returning to him, would not Philemon have had reason to complain of it? The Bible gives no indication that they were related. If he took another wife, then he was required to continue supplying the same amounts of food, clothing, and conjugal rights to her. The Ten Commandments make clear that honouring the Shabbat was expected of slaves, not just their masters. In 171 BC king Perseus decided to teach the Romans an armed lesson. Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord. He had not been "profitable"--far from it. Will Philemon receive him into his house as his guest? Upon Onesimus return, Paul asked Philemon to receive him as you would receive me considering they were partners in Christ (1:17). Glancy, Jennifer A. Slavery in early Christianity. [58] This commandment not to work the land is directed at the landowner and does not mention slaves, but other verses imply that no produce is sown by anyone in this year,[58] and command that the land must "lie fallow". "The man whom the Colossians had only known hitherto, if they knew him all, as a worthless runaway slave, is thus commended to them, as no more a slave but a brother, no more dishonest and faithless but trustworthy; no more an object of contempt but of love" (Lightfoot's Commentary on Col, 235). [24] Although a literal reading would indicate that this applies to slaves of all nationalities and locations, the Mishnah and many commentators consider the rule to have the much narrower application, to just those slaves who flee from outside Israelite territory into it. Neither could he forget how Philemon had many a time spoken of Paul, to whom he owed his conversion. Jack Wellman is Pastor of the Mulvane Brethren church in Mulvane Kansas. Had Paul kept Onesimus, however willing to gratify Paul Philemon might be, he would have no opportunity given him of showing he was so, his leave not having been asked. Paul urged his audience to express themselves by quoting psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). Onesimus had somehow connected with Paul, who was imprisoned in Rome. General Editor. Philemon would do more than Paul asked; and on the apostle's visit to Colosse he would find the warmest welcome, both from Philemon and from Onesimus. Onesimus had robbed his master Philemon and fled to Rome, a large city where he could easily hide. This was the same term Paul used to greet Philemon (Philemon 1:1). Slave Systems of the Old Testament and the American South: A Study in Contrasts. Why do you think Paul addressed this letter to the church, not just to Philemon? Pauls comment that Philemon and Onesimus were brothers in the flesh may also mean that they were brothers in the same ministry, serving the gospel of Christ. Here at Abarim Publications we seriously doubt that Onesimus was some nobody who just happened to be in Paul's life and who was good at delivering letters. Paul was essentially telling Philemon that he was to treat Onesimus and hold him in the same regard as Paul treated and regarded Philemon. Two traditions connect Onesimus with a bishop of that name in the second-century church, and with Onesiphorus in 2Timothy 1:16 . Const. Just as Paul did not use his apostolic authority to command Philemon, neither did Paul use deceit to compel Philemon by hiding Onesimus from him. Paul saw the holocaust of 70 AD coming, and his writings largely dealt with trying to prevent it, namely by hammering on the importance of unarmed resistance and respectful dialogue. Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world. The master who has been defrauded now owns allegiance to Jesus. [32] Biblical authors repeatedly criticize debt slavery, which could be attributed to high taxation, monopoly of resources, high-interest loans, and collapse of higher kinship groups. Philemon would do more than Paul asked; and on the apostles visit to Colosse he would find the warmest welcome, both from Philemon and from Onesimus. 1:32; Gn. Since there is no notation of his father, some scholars assume he was born in the home of Philemon. The apostle accordingly begs Philemon to give Onesimus the same reception as he would rejoice to give to himself. And so, hereafter, I shall first know how to yield to the gods, and second learn to revere [Menelaus and Agamemnon]. Weed is a psychoactive drug, meaning it alters the mind. The Epistle to Philemon has become an important text in regard to slavery; it was used by pro-slavery advocates as well as by abolitionists. The early church met in the homes of believers, which was the case for Philemon's church, as well. Yes, men's proverb is true: the gifts of enemies are no gifts and bring no good (, onesimos). A Character Study. The appeal is for Philemon to forgive Onesimus, his runaway slave, who also came to Christ through Pauls ministry. It is who they are in Christ. [76] The Bible states that one should not regret freeing the Slave, for slaves were worth Twice the Hired hand to The Master;[77] Nachmanides enumerates this as a command rather than merely as a piece of advice. [7] As time progressed, domestic slavery became more prominent, and domestic slaves, usually working as an assistant to the wife of the patriarch, allowed larger houses to run more smoothly and efficiently. So Onesimus was a fugitive slave, under a capital offense. But already his consistent conduct in Rome and his willing service to Paul there have changed all that; he has been profitable to Paul, and he will be profitable to Philemon too. Most of Paul's letters begin by referring to himself as a servant of Christ Jesus. 30:4; 31:17; cf. Onesimus is thought to have died in 68 A.D. One of the shortest books in the Bible, the Book of Philemon, is one of the most precious books there are in Scripture. In the Roman empire slaves were constantly crucified for smaller offenses than those of which he had been guilty. no longer as a slave, but more than a slave--as a dearly loved brother. [82] This manicipia (enslavement) of children by the pater did not exclude the selling of children into sexual slavery. Like Odysseus, the Lord of Life will suddenly come to his temple (Malachi 3:1), and vengeance is his (Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:19). This was made clear already (Philemon 1:10) and will be stated again in verse 16. . And Paul does this for him both in the Epistle to the Colossians and in that to Philemon. [28] Although no nationality is specified, 18th-century theologians John Gill (16971771) and Adam Clarke suggested this referred only to Canaanite concubines. Slavery is mentioned numerous times in the New Testament. Onesimus, profitable, Greek: , onsimos (G3682) 4 King James Bible Verses. How (and Why) Do We Receive Power from the Holy Spirit? Christian Truth. The Holiness code of Leviticus explicitly allows participation in the slave trade,[55] with non-Israelite residents who had been sold into slavery being regarded as a type of property that could be inherited. Paul and Timothy make a personal plea to Philemon, a Colossian believer whom Paul mentored into Christ. Leviticus does not mention seventh-year manumission; instead it only instructs that debt-slaves, and Israelite slaves owned by foreign residents, should be freed during the national Jubilee[3] (occurring either every 49 or every 50 years, depending on interpretation). In the Ancient Near East, wives and (non-adult) children were dependents of the head of household and were sometimes sold into slavery by the husband or father for financial reasons. Onesimus' name is derived from a root that means "beneficial," "profitable," "useful" or "helpful" but they all have the same idea but the question is this; were these statements about Philemon's. Biblical texts outline sources and the legal status of slaves, economic roles of slavery, types of slavery, and debt slavery, which thoroughly explain the institution of slavery in Israel in antiquity. Onesimus was a slave (Philemon 1:16) belonging to Philemon who was a wealthy citizen of Colosse, and a prominent member of the church there. Here the aorist tense and the verb meaning to will denote a single, decisive resolution. Philemon can regard Paul's handwriting as a bond guaranteeing payment: "Put that to mine account," are his words, "I will repay it." The Covenant Code clearly institutes the death penalty for beating a free man to death;[68] in contrast, beating a slave to death was to be avenged only if the slave does not survive for one or two days after the beating. The book of Leviticus also exhibits this, allowing foreign residents to sell their own children and families to Israelites, although no limitation is placed on the duration of such slavery. The book of Philemon is a case study in the transformation that happens when someone believes in the good news of Jesus. [2], References:International Standard Bible EncyclopediaHastings Dictionary of the New Testament, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Hastings Dictionary of the New Testament. [17], M. I. Rey at the Graduate Institute of Religious Studies at Boston University argues that the passage is an endorsement of not only sexual slavery but genocidal rape, as the capture of these women is justified on the grounds of their not being Hebrew. In 1 Peter 2:18, Saint Peter writes "Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and equitable but also to those who are perverse. A thief and a runaway had nothing but torture or death to expect. The Bible contains many references to slavery, which was a common practice in antiquity. 1 Samuel 18:29, 25:22; 1 Kings 21:20; etc. Every believer is our eternal brother or eternal sister in Christ. In Romans 1:1 Paul calls himself "a slave of Christ Jesus" and later in Romans 6:18 Paul writes "You have been set free from sin and become slaves to righteousness. Dr. John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible. [62] In Jewish tradition, this was taken to mean that the debtor should not be instructed to do humiliating work - which only slaves would do - and that the debtor should be asked to perform the craft(s) which they usually did before they had been enslaved, if it is realistic to do so. And we also doubt that Paul's letter to Philemon is about what it seems to be about. He could not forget that his masters house in Colosse was the place where theChristiansmet in their weekly assemblies for the worship of Christ. Such a commendation would greatly facilitate Onesimuss return to Colosse. There was, therefore, on every account, great propriety in his saying that he did not wish to use any influence over him to retain him with him when he purposed to return to Colosse, and that he felt that it would be wrong for him to keep him, much as he needed him, without the consent of Philemon. A whopping five times in his small letter to Philemon, Paul mentions that he is the prisoner of the Lord (Philemon 1:1, 1:9, 1:10, 1:13, 1:23). The code also instructs that the woman was to be allowed to be redeemed[42] if the man broke his betrothal to her. [73], The Deuteronomic Code also extends[74] the seventh-year manumission rule by instructing that Israelite slaves freed in this way should be given livestock, grain, and wine as a parting gift;[75] the literal meaning of the verb used, at this point in the text, for giving this gift seems to be hang round the neck. All that he says here would be met by the supposition that he was a hired servant, and would be in fact equally proper even on the supposition that he was an apprentice. Onesiphorus the man was a personal friend of Paul's and a great blessing to him. The apostle recommends Onesimus to the brethren in Colosse, as a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you, and he goes on to say that Tychicus and Onesimus will make known to them all things that have happened to Paul in Rome. [18] However, the biblical command never specifies that the war in question is against non-Hebrews, but rather against generic "enemies", a term used in reference to Israelites as well as foreigners,[19] and several wars between Israelite armies are recorded in the Bible. That thy benefit - The favor which I might receive from thee by having the services of Onesimus. [38], Sexual slavery, or being sold to be a wife was common in the ancient world. To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia. They are rulers, so we must submit. [39][40] An Israelite father could sell his unmarried daughters into servitude, with the expectation or understanding that the master or his son could eventually marry her (as in Exodus 21:711.) Additionally, Paul asks Philemon to send Onesimus back to him in Rome because he has been a great help to him and his ministry during his imprisonment there. The fact that Onesimus willingly followed Pauls admonition to return to Philemon speaks of a major change of heart and attitude. [13] Ken Brown at Whitworth University claims that since the army did not receive a direct instruction by Yahweh to take the virgin girls captive, this cannot be justified as the obeying of a divine order; rather the Israelites enslaved the virgin women of their own initiative. (vii. Onesimuss name means useful. Paul wrote Colossians and Philemon mere years before the Great Jewish Revolt would culminate into general Titus' destruction of the temple of YHWH, which in turn meant the end of Judaism as it had existed for a millennium. This showed a level of luxury which extended from the private sphere to the public sphere. He was not working for Philemon. Perhaps you've seen it on a coffee cup or a T-shirt the image of a godly, graceful woman along with the words "she is clothed with strength and dignity," or "her children arise and call her blessed.". [50] The Law require that the slaves confirmed this desire "before God",[50] a phrase which has been understood to mean at either a religious sanctuary,[51][52] before judges,[53] or in the presence of household gods. [29][30], Debt slaves were one of the two categories of slaves in ancient Jewish society. A Character Study, Who Was Onesimus In The Bible? But spiritually, "in the Lord", he was now their brother. referred to the entire song we now know as Psalm 22 (Matthew 27:46, Psalm 22:1). [1] These individuals were not permanently in this situation and were usually released after six to seven years. Paul would also have been very careful to not openly discuss politics, or refer to certain military events, lest he be taken for a revolutionary rather than a theologian (Acts 21:38). Returning to a city where it was well known that he had been neither a Christian nor even an honest man, he needed someone to vouch for the reality of the change which had taken place in his life. "[31], Poverty, and more generally a lack of economic security, compelled some people to enter debt bondage. [83] The prophet Nehemiah rebuked the wealthy Israelites of his day for continuing to own Israelite slaves.[84]. [12], The taking of female captives is encouraged by Moses in Numbers 31. [50] This ritual was common throughout the Ancient Near East, being practiced by Mesopotamians, Lydians, and Arabs;[54] in the Semitic world, the ear symbolised obedience (much as the heart symbolises emotion, in the modern western world), and a pierced earlobe signified servitude. St. Dictionaries Encyclopedias Lexicons. He was "a son of Pytho(n), a Macedonian of distinction": "He had always advised the king to peaceable measures, and recommended to him, that, as his father Philip had, to the last of his life, made it an established rule to read over twice every day the treaty concluded with the Romans, so he should, if not daily, yet frequently, observe the same practice. Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament. Had Philemon not been a Christian, and had Paul not written this most beautiful letter, Onesimus might well have been afraid to return. A . Jackson, Bernard S. "Biblical laws of Slavery: a comparative approach." In doing so, Paul told Philemon that he was sending my very heart. As Paul stated his request for Onesimus, he made a play on words with Onesimuss name: I appeal to you for my child Onesimus who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful to both you and me (Philemon 1:10-11). Onesimus was still a heathen when he defrauded his master and ran off from Colosse. As the name implies, these individuals sold themselves into slavery in order to pay off debts they may have accrued. 1Ch. In his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul mentions Tychicus and Onesimus, whom he sent to the Colossians specifically to convey information (and presumably also to deliver the letter). It cannot be imagined that this appeal in behalf of Onesimus was in vain. Masters frequently took advantage of their slaves who were at their beck and call by requiring them to perform duties in public that the master had the ability to do himself. Paul's Onesimus, who had run away from his master and was now serving Paul in Rome is a literary representation of Livy's Onesimus, who had run away from king Perseus and served the Romans senate. Home / Commentary / Philemon / Philemon Chapter 1 / Philemon 1:11-14. Onesimus could have been signing his own death warrant. It was necessary for those who owned slaves, especially in large numbers, to be wealthy because the masters had to pay taxes for Jewish and non-Jewish slaves because they were considered part of the family unit. [34][61], A special case is that of the debtor who sells himself as a slave to his creditor; Leviticus instructs that in this situation, the debtor must not be made to do the work of slaves, but must instead be treated the same as a hired servant. [10][11], Slaves performed a variety of tasks. [69] Abraham ben Nathan of Lunel, a 12th-century Provenal scholar, Targum, and Maimonides argue that avenged implies the death penalty,[34][61] but more recent scholars view it as probably describing a lesser punishment. In the time of the New Testament, there were three modes in which a slave could be manumitted by his or her master: a will could include a formal permission of manumission, a slave could be declared free during a census, or a slave and master could go before a provincial official. and ran up to where Penelope had earlier retreated, and cried: "Awake, Penelope, dear child, that with your own eyes you may see what you desire all your days. Old nurse Eurycleia finally recognized the old man to be the Father of the house (son Telemachus knew it the whole time!) Chattel slaves, on the other hand, were less common and were usually prisoners of war who retained no individual right of redemption. But, in that case, it is clear that this might have caused hard feeling in the bosom of Philemon, and rather than do that he preferred to let him return to his master, and to plead for him that he might have a kind reception. A thief and a runaway had nothing but torture or death to expect. When a fugitive slave got caught he was severely punished, and by harboring a runaway, Paul himself was violating Roman law (whilst in prison). Leviticus instructs that during the Sabbatical Year, slaves and their masters should eat food which the land yields, without being farmed. I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. This could have been the occasion for Paul telling him about Jesus Christ and how he came to be saved. Paul does not wish to take advantage of Philemon. Paul did not suggest that Onesimus had this in mind when he ran away. Compare I would, Plm 1:13. Paul does not explicitly ask Philemon for Onesimus's manumission; however, the offer to pay a "fee" for Onesimus's escape has been discussed as a possible latent form of manumission. [72] The later[34][35][36] Deuteronomic Code is seen by some to contradict[34] elements of this instruction, in extending automatic seventh year manumission to both sexes. (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me) (Phil 1:10-11). Below are the English definition details. Paul had a hopeful expectation that Philemon would of his own free will and goodness, consent and do what was best. How Does the Book of Ecclesiastes Point Us to Christ? Paul and Timothy make a personal plea to Philemon, a Colossian believer whom Paul mentored into Christ. In the book of Philemon, Paul appeals to his friend on behalf of a runaway slave named Onesimus. The name, Onesimus, means "useful" or "profitable.". This touches the epistles central themes: the core identity of every believer is as a son or daughter of God. Receive him, says the apostle, for he is my own very heart (Philemon 1:12). And in Roman society it would have been highly unusual, if not unheard of for a family member to own his own brother as his slave. They also catered to the needs of the temple and they performed more domestic tasks such as keeping up the household, raising farm animals and growing small amounts of crops. Here is Onesimus in the Bible. Then Paul intimates that he hopes soon to be set free, and then he will come and visit them in Colosse. But now under the sway of Christ all is changed. What Does a Wife of Noble Character Look Like? "[103][104] Also in Galatians, Paul writes on the nature of slavery within the kingdom of God. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version . [14], In the Deuteronomic Code, enemy nations that surrendered to the Israelites were to serve as tributaries. You can follow Jack on Google Plus or check out his book Blind Chance or Intelligent Design available on Amazon. James and Jude, half-brothers of Jesus, both refer to themselves as Christ's bondservants. However, if they decided to war against Israel, all the men were to be killed and all the women and children were to be considered spoils of war. Pauls eternal relationship with Philemon was the same as his relationship to Onesimus. Philemon 1:16. [45], The betrothal clause seems to have provided an exception to the law of release in Deuteronomy 15:12 (cf. This was the same term Paul used to greet Philemon (Philemon 1:1). Kiddushin 22a; Rashi Deuteronomy 21:11 ("The Torah only spoke to oppose the evil inclination: if [God] did not permit her, he would take her in violation of the law"), Israel Zvi Gilat, "'Conquest by War' in Jewish Law: The Beautiful Woman Case", Netanya Academic College School of Law, A History of Ancient Near Eastern Law (2 vols). Onesimus was still a heathen when he defrauded his master and ran off from . It is, therefore, by no means necessary to suppose that Paul felt that Onesimus was under obligation to return, or that he was disposed to compel him, or that Onesimus was not inclined to return voluntarily; but all the cirumstances of the case are met by the supposition that, if Paul retained him, Philemon might conceive that he had injured him. Paul told Philemon, but without your consent I did not want to do anything. Paul desired to keep Onesimus with him because he was serving him in prison (1:13) but didnt want to keep him if Philemon didnt give his permission as he writes I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord (1:14). "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". [59] It is not mentioned whether slaves receive rest from non-agricultural work during this year. o-nes'-i-mus (Onesimos, literally, "profitable," "helpful" (Colossians 4:9; Philemon 1:10)): Onesimus was a slave (Philemon 1:16) belonging to Philemon who was a wealthy citizen of Colosse, and a prominent member of the church there. Paul's Epistles to Colosse and to Philemon: At the same time Paul wrote to the church in Colosse on other matters, and he entrusted the Epistle to the Colossians to the joint care of Tychicus and Onesimus. [111] These modes of manumission lend evidence to suggest that manumission was an everyday occurrence, and thus complicates New Testament texts encouraging manumission. THE RAINBOW IS GODS SYMBOL OF FORGIVENESS NOT ACCEPTANCE June is Why? Chapter III, Parts 12 & 13 (pp. Why? Chapter III, Parts 12 & 13 (pp. [98] Similar statements regarding obedient slaves can be found in Colossians 3:2224, 1 Timothy 6:12, and Titus 2:910. Many people enjoy the feeling it produces . Paul proceeds to baptize the slave Onesimus, and then writes to his owner, Philemon, telling him that he will pay whatever fee Onesimus owes for his fugitive status. 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Canons, 82) that Philemon not only forgave but emancipated his slave. This eternal fact supersedes every temporal relationship we have with other people here on earth. The appeal is for Philemon to forgive Onesimus, his runaway slave, who also came to Christ through Pauls ministry. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 1:8-14 It does not lower any one to condescend, and sometimes even to beseech, where, in strictness of right, we might command: the apostle argues from love, rather than authority, in behalf of one converted through his means; and this was Onesimus. Freedom in Christ - What is it? Paul possibly never imagined that it would later become part of the New Testament but it was accepted as such quite early in the churchs history and it was widely circulated among the churches. [7] In addition to showing luxury, the possession of slaves was necessary for a good family background, and many wealthy men viewed their colleagues who only possessed a few slaves as the type of individual who needed to be pitied. In sending Onesimus to Philemon, Paul had faith in Jesus that even if Philemon made a terrible decision, that Christ would work this for the good of both Paul and Onesimus (Romans 8:28). Onesimus was a slave (Philem 1:16) belonging to Philemon who was a wealthy citizen of Colosse, and a prominent member of the church there. Answer Onesimus was the fugitive slave of Philemon, the apostle Paul's friend. Love is only possible when it is freely chosen. In Scripture [ edit] The name "Onesimus" appears in two New Testament epistlesin Colossians 4 and in Philemon. [34][61], The earlier[34][35][36] Covenant Code provides a potentially more valuable and direct form of relief, namely a degree of protection for the slave's person (their body and its health) itself. [64] This resembles the earlier Code of Hammurabi, which instructs that when an injury is done to a social inferior, monetary compensation should be made, instead of carrying out the basic lex talionis; Josephus indicates that by his time it was acceptable for a fine to be paid to the slave, instead of manumitting them, if the slave agreed. Fortress Press, 2002. Onesimus was still a heathen when he defrauded his master and ran off from Colosse. Pauls suggestion recalls how God used the evil intentions of Josephs brothers when they sold him into slavery to be the catalyst for how Joseph would later save his family from starvation as a prince of Egypt: As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.(Genesis 50:20). While there, it seems he visited Paul, heard the gospel, and accepted it. [1] The Bible stipulates the treatment of slaves, especially in the Old Testament. Paul was fortunate to have someone on the outside since many times prisoners of Rome had to find their resources outside of the prison walls. "[106] In 1 Timothy 1:10, Paul condemns enslavers with the sexually immoral, abusers of themselves with mankind, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine. As for Israelite slaves, the Covenant Code allows them to voluntarily renounce their seventh-year manumission and become permanent slaves (literally being slaves forever). Poor Penelope couldn't believe Eurycleia and spoke of the madness of the wise, and accused her of teasing, but instead of pummeling her out the door she decided to gracefully honor Eurycleia's years and said: "to thee old age shall bring this profit (, onesis)" (Od.23.24). [66] In the Covenant Code, if an ox gores a slave, the ox owner must pay the servant's master a 30 shekel fine.[67]. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. For foreign-born individuals, manumission was increasingly amorphous; however, if subject to debt slavery, manumission was much more concrete: freedom was granted once the debt was paid. 10 Lessons from Philemon 1. In sending Onesimus to Philemon, Onesimus life and Pauls heart were in Philemons hands. [111] Modes of manumission, in the New Testament, are once again disputed in a letter from Paul to Galatians in which Paul writes "For freedom Christ has set us free". Galatians 3:28 states: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. At the same time Paul wrote to the church in Colosse on other matters, and he entrusted the Epistle to the Colossians to the joint care of Tychicus and Onesimus (Colossians 4:9). It may have been hunger; it may have been the pangs of conscience. Who Was Martha In The Bible? But in Onesimus crime, God was working a wonderful plan that would bless not only the runaway slave but also his abandoned Roman master. [90] Jesus' teaching on slavery include mentions of spiritual slavery,[91] a slave having two masters (God and mammon),[92] slavery to God,[93] acting as a slave toward others,[94] and the greatest among his disciples being the least of them. When the prophet Agabus came from Jerusalem to Caesarea to warn Paul about the plans of the Jewish elite, he didn't simply inform Paul about the matter, but bombastically stripped Paul of his belt and tied himself with it (Acts 21:11). In 168 BC he was forced to surrender and was shipped off to a Roman jail and heard from no more. at Colosse, fled to Rome, where he was converted by the apostle Paul, who sent him back to his master with the epistle which bears his name. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. 2. So much so that both Paul and Peter address the gospels implications for believers who were slaves (Colossians 3:22, Titus 2:9-10, 1 Peter 2:18-20.) For loves sake (Philemon 1:9), Paul wished for Philemon to choose what was good of his own free will. Onesimus had done something right before the book of Philemon starts. He is especially so to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. But he returned no longer a slave. St. Paul seems to say, "He belied his name in days past; he will more than deserve it now." To thee and to me. The verb (oninemi) means to be of use or to profit. With its message of eternal hope and everlasting rewards, the gospel spread fastest among the poor and the outcasts. The magnificent kingdom of Macedonia ceased to exist and in 146 BC, after some more armed revolting, Macedonia became the Roman province of that same name. After much doings, Ajax decided to bury the sword he obtained as a gift from his greatest enemy Hector (and ultimately kill himself with it) and uttered the bitter words: "I have gotten no good from the Greeks. Onesimus was referred to as "the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of yourselves" ( Col 4:9 ). This is what was expected of him as a slave. Paul wrote I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. All rights reserved. Question Who was Onesimus in the Bible? In contrast to the Old Testament, the New Testament's criteria for manumission encompasses Roman laws on slavery as opposed to the shmita system. He was more than a slave. His services had been very acceptable to Paul, who would gladly have kept Onesimus with him; but as he could not do this without the knowledge and consent of Philemon, he sent Onesimus back to Colosse, to his master there. Philemon and Onesimus are brothers in Christ. One of the first discussions of manumission in the New Testament can be seen in Paul's interaction with Philemon's slave Onesimus. Historical Insight: To help you get the big pictureOnesimus apparently stole some money and ran away from Philemon. If this is true, it is possible that Philemon was his biological father. Paul reminds Philemon of the forgiveness he has received, and touches upon the truth that the fundamental relationship between Philemon and Onesimus is not a temporal master-slave relationship, but as forever brothers in the family of Christ. He shall have no right to sell her to a foreign people, since he has dealt deceitfully with her. [25][26], It was also possible to be born into slavery. But Paul does more. The evangelists, who wrote after the destruction, largely dealt with the question of what was to become of the Jewish mission to be a blessing to all people (Genesis 22:18). May 30, 2023 You may have heard of the name Onesimus. [56] The later[34][35][36] book of Deuteronomy, having repeated the Shabbat requirement, also instructs that slaves should be allowed to celebrate the Sukkot festival.[57]. With Paul in Rome: Onesimus was a slave ( Philemon 1:16) belonging to Philemon who was a wealthy citizen of Colosse, and a prominent member of the church there. The word rendered "benefit" here - agathon - means good, and the sense is, "the good which you would do me;" to wit, by the service of Onesimus. 2Sam. ), DoubleDay:1992. [34], The Hittite laws and the Code of Hammurabi both insist that if a slave is harmed by a third party, the third party must financially compensate the owner. At the very least, Paul hoped that Philemon would not exact his legal retribution upon Onesimus by punishing him or having him put to death for running away. However, another interpretation is more likely: that Onesimus would return as a brother in Christ. a. Paul does not wish to take advantage of Philemon. [15], If the soldier desired to marry a captured foreigner he was to take her home to his house, shave her head, pare her nails, and discard her captive's garb. He ran away as a mere slave. Brill:2003, Gn. Onesimus was likely only thinking of himself; the reason he separated from Philemon was to escape life as a slave. Biblical texts outline sources and the legal status of slaves, economic roles of slavery, types of slavery, and debt slavery, which thoroughly explain the institution of slavery in Israel in antiquity. The letter, which is delivered to him by his slave, is written by a bound prisoner of Jesus Christ. The slave too is now a brother in Christ, beloved by Paul: surely he will be beloved by Philemon also. The name Onesimus is an ordinary albeit infrequently used adjective that derives from (oneso), the future tense of the verb (oninemi), to be of use or to profit. The Israelites were to serve as tributaries was in vain during the Sabbatical year, slaves performed a of... 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