Onesimus Needed Someone To Pay His Debt It seems likely that Onesimus had stolen from Philemon to fund his journey to Rome (1:18). At least, he had stolen himself. Onesimus had no way to pay the debt he owed to Philemon Paul was willing to put Onesimus’ debt on his account. He was willing to […]
Onesimus Needed Someone To Intercede On His Behalf Roman law allowed for a freeman to intercede on behalf of a slave. While a fugitive in Rome, Onesimus met Paul and was converted by him (Phile. 10). It is possible that Paul had also converted Philemon (Phile. 19). Since Paul knew Philemon, he could intercede on […]
Onesimus Was At One Time Unprofitable V. 11 – “Which in time past was to thee unprofitable but now is profitable to you and me. ” This verse contains a word play that is lost in English. The name “Onesimus” means “useful.” Therefore, in word play, Paul tells Philemon that Onesimus (“useful”) had become useless […]