Onesimus was a runaway slave who was later converted by [[Paul]] during his imprisonment. He became a trusted companion in Paul's ministry and is commended as "a faithful and dear brother" in [[Colossians]] 4:9. ## Background Onesimus was from [[Colossae]] and appears to have been a runaway slave. While the details of his escape are not recorded in the available references, he eventually encountered Paul during Paul's imprisonment and was converted to Christianity. ## Ministry with Paul After his conversion, Onesimus served with Paul in his ministry. Despite his past as a runaway slave, Paul trusted him significantly and included him in important ministry work. ## Letter Carrier Onesimus served as a letter carrier alongside [[Tychicus]] for Paul's prison epistles. Since all three letters—[[Colossians]], [[Ephesians]], and [[Bible/Books/Philemon|Philemon]]—were written around the same time during [[Paul]]'s imprisonment, [[Onesimus]] likely helped deliver all three letters. The letter to Philemon appears to have dealt specifically with Onesimus's situation and his return to his master. ## Paul's Commendation In [[Colossians]] 4:9, Paul describes Onesimus as "a faithful and dear brother, who is one of you." This commendation is significant because Paul identifies him simply as a Christian brother, with no mention of his slave status.