Onesimus

He also describes the affection he has for Onesimus and the transformation that has taken place with Onesimus's conversion to the Christian faith.

When it comes to Onesimus and his circumstance as a slave, Paul felt that Onesimus should return to Philemon but not as a slave, but under a bond of familial love.

Where Onesimus was "useless", now he is "useful" a wordplay, as Onesimus means "useful".

Thereafter, Onesimus did his set with his popular songs.

Controller hitmaker Onesimus has signed an ambassadorship deal with K Motors.

He is also expected to share the stage with former Nde’feyo Entertainment record label mates, Onesimus, Piksy, Trumel and Bucci among others.

Paul tells Philemon that surely no punishment should await Onesimus, even though running away from slavery was a very serious crime under Roman law at the time.

Alternatively, he may have previously heard Paul's name (as his owner was a Christian) and so travelled to him for help.sfn After meeting Paul, Onesimus became a Christian believer.

An affection grew between them, and Paul would have been glad to keep Onesimus with him.

Callahan argues that, beyond verse 16, "nothing in the text conclusively indicates that Onesimus was ever the chattel of the letter's chief addressee.

However, the text could also be interpreted as indicating that Paul was demanding the legal freedom of Onesimus and, as an act of both trust and reconciliation, holding Philemon accountable in the higher court of God to accomplish this change himself.

In this case, Timothy may have encountered Philemon while accompanying Paul in his work in Ephesus.sfn Occasion According to the majority interpretation, Paul wrote this letter on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who had wronged his owner Philemon.

In this reconstruction, Philemon would receive the letter first and then encourage Archippus to release Onesimus so that he could work alongside Paul.

Paul also was not suggesting that Onesimus be punished, but Roman law allowed the owner of a runaway slave nearly unlimited privileges of punishment, even execution.

Paul's specific request is for Philemon to welcome Onesimus as he would welcome Paul, namely as a Christian brother.

So in short, Onesimus’ honor and obedience is not claimed by Philemon, but by Christ.

Verses 13-14 suggest that Paul wants Philemon to send Onesimus back to Paul (possibly freeing him for the purpose).