Same Name but Not the Same- Part 5 of the“Inserted” Series

Let’s take a look at someone whose name is actually written in the Bible scriptures; Onesimus.  An unknown name to a lot of people: not like Mary, Joseph, Esther, John, Ruth.  But he is in there. And that means his story is significant.

 We are introduced to him as a runaway slave. Onesimus was a common name among slaves. The name means useful; profitable. We know that slaves held a low status in the hierarchy of positions.  It doesn’t say why he ran away. We also know that his boss, Philemon, was a Christian who had a church in his home and who received Christ through Paul's ministry. Having slaves was common in that period.  Why did Onesimus run away? Was there hardship that he could not endure?  Was he feeling that he had more to offer than operating as a slave?  Did he possess character traits that were opposite of what his meant?

What is significant to this story is the transformation that took place after in this slave after his encounter with Christ through Paul. We are told of that transformation through the letter Paul wrote on his behalf of Onesimus to his owner-Philemon.

 What took place as a result of his encounter?

Onesimus became what His name means.  Paul describes Onesimus as being useful and profitable but in a different category than when he left. Remember Philemon was a Christian. Apostle Paul addresses the change in category in the letter he write to Philemon.

“It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever.  He is no longer like a slave to you.  He is more than a slave for he is a beloved brother especially to me.  Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” (Philemon 1:15)

Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I'm sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart. (Philemon 1:-12)

The letter does not command Philemon to forgive him for running away.  Apostle Paul writes the letter reminding Philemon of his own conversion through Paul’s ministry requesting mercy and grace.  “That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you.  I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. But because of our love, I prefer to simply ask you.  Consider this as a request from me- Paul an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.(Philemon1:8-9)

Paul addresses the relationship change that has taken place because of Onesimus encounter with the word of God through Paul. “I appeal to you to show kindness to my child Onesimus.  I became his father in the faith while here in prison.” (Philemon 1:10) “I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more. (Phil 1:21)

In Colossians 4:9, we see Onesimus’s change in status, relationship and career. He has moved from slave/servant to friend/brother/carrier of the Gospel.   “I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people.  He and Tychicus will tell you everything that’s happening here.”

 We can experience a change just like Onesimus. Whatever character traits that we possessed before Jesus can be harnessed to its divine purpose by accepting the Jesus that Paul presented to Philemon and Onesimus. Yes our “name” will still be the same, but the carrier of that name has been changed. The relationships that we had with those around us become different after we encounter Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus transforms after we accept him as Lord and Savior.  “I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves.  Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.” (John 15:15)