Colossians 4:9

With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

Colossians 4:9 (KJV)

Context

Paul wrote this letter to the church in Colossae while he was in prison. His purpose was to address false teachings that had crept into the church and to exalt the supremacy of Christ. In these closing verses, he introduces the trusted companions who would carry his message and encourage the believers.

Onesimus

Onesimus was a slave who belonged to Philemon, a member of the Colossian church. He had run away from his master and encountered Paul in prison. Through Paul’s influence, Onesimus became a believer in Christ and served Paul faithfully. Paul calls him a “faithful and beloved brother,” a description that shows how far he had come.

Unity in the Body of Christ

Paul says Onesimus is “one of you,” meaning he was from Colossae and known to the church. This phrase carries deep meaning. A former runaway slave is now described as a beloved brother and a member of the same community. The gospel had broken down the social barrier between slave and free, creating a new family in Christ.

Sharing News and Encouragement

Paul states that Onesimus, along with Tychicus mentioned in the previous verse, would make known to the Colossians all things happening where Paul was. Onesimus was entrusted with delivering news and updates to the church. Paul trusted him to accurately communicate his message and to provide the information the believers needed.

The Value of Faithfulness

Paul’s description of Onesimus as “faithful” speaks to his character and reliability. Despite his past as a runaway slave, Onesimus had become a faithful follower of Christ and a trustworthy companion to Paul. This underscores the importance of faithfulness in the Christian life, regardless of one’s background or circumstances.

Application

This verse teaches us to recognize the unity we share with other believers in Christ, regardless of social, cultural, or economic differences. It also highlights the transformative power of the gospel, demonstrating that anyone can become a faithful and beloved member of the Christian community. Finally, it encourages us to be trustworthy and reliable in our relationships, serving as faithful messengers of the gospel and sharing what God is doing in our lives.

Paul’s reference to Onesimus also connects to his letter to Philemon, where he appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus not as a slave but as a beloved brother. The gospel changes how believers view one another, creating a new family where all are brothers and sisters in Christ.

• Colossians 4:9 reminds us of the unity we have as believers in Christ and the transformative power of the gospel. It encourages us to be faithful and reliable in our relationships and to share the good news with others.