With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is [one] of you. They shall make known unto you all things which [are done] here.
With {G4862} Onesimus {G3682}, a faithful {G4103} and {G2532} beloved {G27} brother {G80}, who {G3739} is {G2076} one of {G1537} you {G5216}. They shall make known {G1107} unto you {G5213} all things {G3956} which {G3588} are done here {G5602}.
I have sent him with Onesimus, the dear and faithful brother, who is one of you; they will tell you everything that has happened here.
With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things that are done here.
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Philemon 1:10
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: -
Philemon 1:19
I Paul have written [it] with mine own hand, I will repay [it]: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. -
Colossians 4:7
¶ All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, [who is] a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
Context
Colossians 4:9 is part of Paul's concluding remarks in his letter to the church at Colossae. Having delivered profound theological truths and practical exhortations, Paul now addresses personal matters, specifically the sending of messengers. This verse introduces Onesimus, a pivotal figure not only in this letter but also in Paul's very personal letter to Philemon. Paul is writing from imprisonment, likely in Rome, and relies on trusted individuals to carry his letters and deliver news to the churches.
The immediate preceding verses (Colossians 4:7-8) introduce Tychicus as Paul's primary messenger, who would deliver the letter and provide updates. Onesimus accompanies Tychicus, serving a dual purpose: assisting Tychicus and returning to his former master, Philemon, in Colossae. This verse highlights Onesimus's transformed status from a runaway slave to a "faithful and beloved brother" in Christ, a testament to the Gospel's power to transcend social barriers.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "faithful and beloved brother" in Greek is pistou kai agapetou adelphou (πιστοῦ καὶ ἀγαπητοῦ ἀδελφοῦ).
Practical Application
Colossians 4:9 offers several enduring lessons for believers today: