Colossians 4:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 4:9 introduces Onesimus, a formerly runaway slave now transformed into a "faithful and beloved brother" in Christ, whom Paul sends back to Colossae alongside Tychicus. This verse highlights the radical social and spiritual transformation wrought by the Gospel, demonstrating that in Christ, all believers are united as equals, transcending earthly distinctions. Onesimus's return serves not only as a personal act of reconciliation but also as a means for the Colossian church to receive direct, firsthand news from Paul regarding his circumstances and the broader work of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 4:9 is part of Paul's concluding remarks in his letter, following profound theological exposition on Christ's supremacy and practical exhortations for Christian living. The immediate literary context begins in [Colossians 4:7](/colossians/4-7 "Colossians 4:7 - Tychicus, a Beloved Brother"), where Paul introduces Tychicus as his primary messenger, who will deliver the letter and provide a full report on Paul's situation. Onesimus is presented as Tychicus's companion, indicating a joint mission. These personal greetings and updates serve to reinforce the bond between Paul and the Colossian church, assuring them of his continued care and involvement despite his imprisonment. The mention of Onesimus here also sets the stage for the deeply personal letter to [Philemon](/philemon/1 "Philemon - A Letter of Reconciliation"), which elaborates on Onesimus's past and Paul's plea for his reception.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing from imprisonment, most likely in Rome (around A.D. 60-62). The city of Colossae was located in Phrygia, Asia Minor, a region where slavery was a pervasive social institution. Runaway slaves faced severe penalties, often death or brutal punishment. Onesimus was a slave belonging to Philemon, a prominent Christian in Colossae. His flight and subsequent encounter with Paul in prison, leading to his conversion, represent a dramatic turn of events. Paul's decision to send Onesimus back to his master, not as a recaptured fugitive but as a "brother" in Christ, directly challenged the prevailing social norms and expectations of the Roman world, underscoring the revolutionary nature of the Gospel's impact on human relationships.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Colossians and Paul's broader theology. First, it exemplifies **Transformation and New Creation**, showing how the Gospel radically changes individuals, turning a runaway slave into a "faithful and beloved brother." This aligns with the broader theme of believers being [made new in Christ](/colossians/3-10 "Colossians 3:10 - Clothed with the New Self"). Second, it underscores **Christian Unity and Equality**, demonstrating that in Christ, social distinctions like master and slave are transcended by spiritual kinship, as seen in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free"). Third, it highlights **Paul's Pastoral Care and Apostolic Authority**, as he maintains communication with the churches even from prison, entrusting vital information and personal reconciliation to trusted messengers like Onesimus. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Reconciliation**, which is fully developed in the letter to [Philemon](/philemon/1-1-25 "Philemon 1 - Paul's Plea for Onesimus"), showcasing the Gospel's power to heal broken relationships.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Onesimus (Greek, _Onḗsimos'_):** From ὀνίνημι, meaning "profitable." This name is highly significant, as Paul plays on its meaning in [Philemon 1:11](/philemon/1-11 "Philemon 1:11 - Onesimus, Formerly Unprofitable, Now Profitable"), stating that Onesimus was formerly "unprofitable" but is now "profitable" to both Paul and Philemon. His name thus becomes a living parable of the Gospel's transformative power.
* **beloved (Greek, _agapētós'_):** From ἀγαπάω, meaning "beloved" or "dearly loved." This term, rooted in the concept of _agape_ (unconditional, divine love), signifies deep affection and spiritual bond. Paul uses it to elevate Onesimus's status far beyond that of a mere slave, positioning him as a cherished member of the Christian family and emphasizing the love with which the Colossian church should receive him.
* **make known (Greek, _gnōrízō'_):** From a derivative of γινώσκω, meaning "to make known" or "to certify." This word indicates the purpose of Onesimus's visit: to provide a comprehensive and reliable report of Paul's circumstances. It highlights the importance of accurate communication and the trust Paul placed in Onesimus to convey the truth of his situation to the Colossian believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother":** This phrase immediately establishes Onesimus's new identity and standing within the Christian community. He is no longer merely a slave but a "brother" in Christ, signifying spiritual equality. The descriptors "faithful" (trustworthy, reliable) and "beloved" (dearly cherished) underscore his transformed character and the high regard in which Paul holds him.
* **"who is [one] of you":** This clause emphasizes Onesimus's connection to the Colossian church. He is not a stranger but a local, implying that his return is a homecoming, and he is a familiar figure to many there. This personal connection would facilitate the reception of news and reinforce the message of reconciliation.
* **"They shall make known unto you all things which [are done] here":** This final clause states the primary purpose of Onesimus's (and Tychicus's) visit. "They" refers to both Tychicus and Onesimus. Their mission is to provide a full and accurate report ("all things") about Paul's circumstances ("which are done here," referring to his imprisonment and ministry in Rome). This demonstrates Paul's desire for transparency and his reliance on trusted messengers to convey vital information to the churches.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Ethos** by presenting Onesimus with strong commendations ("faithful and beloved brother"), thereby establishing his credibility and character before the Colossian church, which would have remembered him as a runaway slave. This positive portrayal aims to influence their reception of him. There is also a powerful sense of **Symbolism** in Onesimus himself; his transformed status from a runaway slave to a respected "brother" symbolizes the radical, leveling power of the Gospel to break down social barriers and create a new community founded on spiritual kinship rather than worldly hierarchies. Furthermore, the **Juxtaposition** of Onesimus's past identity as a slave (implied by his return to Philemon) with his present identity as a "faithful and beloved brother" powerfully illustrates the redemptive work of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 4:9 is a microcosm of the Gospel's power to transform individuals and redefine relationships within the community of faith. It vividly illustrates that in Christ, earthly distinctions of status, race, or social standing are rendered secondary to the spiritual reality of being united as one family under God. The radical inclusion and affirmation of Onesimus, a former runaway slave, as a "beloved brother" underscores the profound theological truth that all believers are equally valued and integrated into the body of Christ, reflecting God's impartial love and the breaking down of dividing walls through the cross. This verse serves as a practical demonstration of the new humanity created in Christ, where grace and reconciliation triumph over social norms and past transgressions.

* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free"): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
* [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints"): "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God."
* [Philemon 1:16](/philemon/1-16 "Philemon 1:16 - No Longer a Slave, but a Beloved Brother"): "Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 4:9 offers a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today. Onesimus's story reminds us that the Gospel is not merely a set of doctrines but a transformative power that redefines our identities and relationships. We are called to embody the same radical acceptance and love that Paul extended to Onesimus, seeing every fellow believer as a "faithful and beloved brother" or "sister," regardless of their past, social standing, or perceived worth in the eyes of the world. This means actively working to dismantle any barriers or prejudices within our communities that contradict the spiritual equality we share in Christ. Furthermore, Onesimus's journey from runaway to trusted messenger underscores the redemptive potential within every individual and the importance of offering second chances, reconciliation, and opportunities for faithful service. We are invited to trust in God's power to redeem and repurpose even the most broken stories for His glory, fostering environments where grace, forgiveness, and genuine brotherhood flourish.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the transformation of Onesimus challenge my own perceptions of who is "worthy" of love, trust, or leadership within the church?**
* **In what ways can my community of faith better embody the radical equality and brotherhood/sisterhood that Paul describes concerning Onesimus?**
* **What past mistakes or societal labels might I or others be clinging to that prevent us from fully embracing our identity as "faithful and beloved" in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Who was Onesimus, and why was he significant to Paul and the Colossian church?**

Answer: Onesimus was a slave belonging to Philemon, a Christian in Colossae. He had run away from Philemon, a serious offense in the Roman world. During his flight, he encountered Paul, likely in prison in Rome, and was converted to Christianity through Paul's ministry. His significance lies in his transformation from a runaway slave to a "faithful and beloved brother" in Christ, as described in [Colossians 4:9](/colossians/4-9 "Colossians 4:9 - Onesimus, a Faithful and Beloved Brother"). Paul sent him back to Philemon not as a recaptured slave, but as a fellow believer, urging Philemon to receive him as such (see [Philemon 1:10-16](/philemon/1-10-16 "Philemon 1:10-16 - Paul's Plea for Onesimus")). This act powerfully demonstrates the Gospel's ability to transcend social hierarchies and bring about reconciliation and spiritual equality within the early Christian community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 4:9, through the person of Onesimus, beautifully foreshadows and embodies the Christ-centered fulfillment of reconciliation and new creation. Onesimus, once lost and estranged from his master, is brought into a new relationship through Paul's intercession, mirroring how humanity, estranged from God by sin, is reconciled through the mediatorial work of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul advocates for Onesimus, presenting him as a "faithful and beloved brother," Christ Himself intercedes for us, presenting us as righteous before God, having taken our sin upon Himself (as seen in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ, Our Righteousness")). Onesimus's transformation from a "unprofitable" slave (as Paul subtly puns in [Philemon 1:11](/philemon/1-11 "Philemon 1:11 - Onesimus, Formerly Unprofitable, Now Profitable")) to a "profitable" and beloved brother powerfully illustrates the redemptive work of Christ, who makes all things new (a theme echoed in [Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Make All Things New")). In Christ, social barriers are shattered, and all believers are united as one body, reflecting the profound unity and equality found in the new humanity established by Christ's sacrifice, where there is "neither bond nor free" but all are "one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free")). Thus, Onesimus's story is a living parable of the Gospel's power to redeem, reconcile, and integrate all who are in Christ into the beloved family of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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: