Colossians 4:9

9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother. He is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

Colossians 4:9 Meaning and Commentary

Colossians 4:9

With Onesimus
Who had been Philemon's servant, ran away from him, and was met with and converted by the Apostle Paul, of whom he says many things in his epistle to his master. According to the Apostolic Constitutions, he was afterwards bishop of Beyrhoea; and some say he suffered martyrdom under Domitian; a servant of this name is mentioned by Suetonius F9, Ignatius F11 speaks of one Onesimus as bishop of Ephesus, but not the same with this,

a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you;
either one of their ministers, as Epaphras was, ( Colossians 3:12 ) or one of their city, who was originally a native of that place; and which the apostle mentions, the more to recommend him; though this is the least part of his commendation; he calls him a "brother", being both a converted man, and in the ministry; and being faithful in his work to Christ, and greatly beloved, by the saints; and particularly highly in the esteem and affections of the apostle:

they shall make known unto you all things which are done here;
at Rome, either to him in prison, or in the church; and being two of them, were a proper number to bear a testimony, and which ought to be received.


FOOTNOTES:

F9 ln Vit. Galbae, c. 13.
F11 Ep. ad Ephes. p. 17. & ad Antioch. ascript. p. 89.

Colossians 4:9 In-Context

7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother. He is a faithful worker. He serves the Lord together with us.
8 I am sending him to you for one reason. I want you to know what is happening here. I want him to cheer you up and make your hearts strong.
9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother. He is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
10 Aristarchus is in prison with me. He sends you his greetings. So does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. You have been given directions about him. If he comes to you, welcome him.
11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. They are the only Jews who work together with me for God's kingdom. They have been a comfort to me.
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