Colossians 4:9 – One of You

9 together with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known to you all things here.

Besides Tychicus, Paul also names Onesimus as the one who will give the Colossians an oral report of “all things here.” What stands out is that he commends Onesimus in almost the same terms as Tychicus. Both are described as faithful and as a beloved brother, and both share in the same assignment. In his commendation, Paul makes no distinction between the two co-workers.

The apostle adds that Onesimus is “one of you.” He is from Colossae and is now returning there. These words also shed light on the letter to Philemon. From that letter, it becomes clear that Philemon and Archippus belonged to the Ecclesia in Colossae. It therefore stands to reason that both letters were delivered at the same time and received within the same circle.

Even before Onesimus arrives in Colossae, Paul commends him to the Ecclesia as “the faithful and beloved brother.” Remarkably, Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus “no longer as a slave, but above a slave, a brother beloved” (Philemon 16), while here he presents him as such to the Ecclesia in Colossae. The letter to the Colossians goes even a step further. Paul calls Onesimus not only beloved, but also faithful.

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