Episode1872: St Onesimus

St. Onesimus, also known as Onesimus of Byzantium or Onesimus the Apostle, was a figure mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. His biography primarily comes from the Epistle to Philemon, a letter written by the Apostle Paul.

Onesimus was a slave who belonged to Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae, an ancient city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). According to tradition, Onesimus escaped from Philemon's household and fled to Rome, where he encountered the Apostle Paul while Paul was imprisoned. It's believed that Onesimus sought refuge in Rome, where Paul was being held captive for his Christian faith.

During his time with Paul, Onesimus converted to Christianity and became a devoted follower of Christ. Paul, who had a profound influence on Onesimus, recognized his transformation and saw him not just as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. Paul wrote a letter to Philemon, urging him to forgive Onesimus for any wrongdoing and to accept him back, not as a mere slave but as a fellow Christian.

In the Epistle to Philemon, Paul appeals to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, asking him to welcome Onesimus back "no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother." Paul even offers to pay any debts Onesimus might owe Philemon.

The exact details of what happened to Onesimus after Paul's letter to Philemon are not recorded in the Bible. However, tradition holds that Onesimus returned to Philemon, who received him with love and forgiveness. Later accounts suggest that Onesimus became a bishop and played a significant role in spreading Christianity.

St. Onesimus is revered as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. His feast day is celebrated on February 15th in the Eastern Orthodox tradition and on February 16th in the Roman Catholic tradition. He is often depicted in Christian art holding a letter, representing his connection to the Epistle to Philemon. His story is seen as a testament to the transformative power of forgiveness and redemption in the Christian faith.