Onesimus is a masculine name of Greek origin that means ‘the one who helps, the useful, the fruitful’. It also refers to a bishop of Ephesus, converted to Christianity by Saint Paul who acted as a messenger of the apostle taking the epistles he wrote to the colonists.
What is the meaning of Onesimus?
The word Onesimus is a masculine name of a person that appears in the Latin Vulgate bible of the late fourth century AD as Onēsĭmus, taken in turn from the ecclesiastical Greek Ὀνήσιμος = Onēsimos, which means ‘useful’, ‘helpful’, ‘beneficial’, since he was a slave born in Colosse of Phrygia, Turkey where he served …
Who was Onesimus in the Bible?
Onesimus († ca. … 90-95), also known as Onesimus of Byzantium and, in some Orthodox churches, the Holy Apostle Onesimus, was a servant of Philemon, an important and influential figure from Colosse of Phrygia, converted to Christianity by Saint Paul .
What does Philemon mean in the Bible?
Phĭlēmon in turn comes from the Greek Φιλήμων (Philémon) which means ‘kind’, ‘affectionate’, ‘affectionate’, ‘hospitable’, since his house was a meeting and worship place for the Colossians converted to Christianity. … Thus, Philemon was kind, helpful, and charitable.
What did Onesimus steal from Filemon?
(gr., Onesimos, profitable). This is probably a common nickname for a slave. Paul makes a pun on the term onesimos (Phm 1:11, Phm 1:20). Onesimus was a slave of Philemon of Colossae, who stole from his master and headed for Rome, a frequent destination for many fugitives like him.
Who was Appia and Archippus in the Bible?
Apia (Gr. Apfía, “fertile”; according to inscriptions, current female name in western Asia Minor). Christian woman from Colossae, perhaps the wife of Philemon (FLam_2). Believing woman from Colossae, believed to be the wife of Philemon and mother of Archippus (Phm 1:2; some mss.
What does Aristarchus mean in the Bible?
Aristarchus (Gr. Arístarjos, “best ruler”; personal name widely used according to Gr. inscriptions). … Hence we find that Aristarchus is mentioned in the prison epistles (FLam_24; Col 4:10, 11) as one of the “fellow prisoners” and “helper”.
Who was Epaphras in the Bible?
epaphras, “appetizing” or “pleasant”; contraction of Epafroditos, Epaphroditus, which also appears in Gr. inscriptions). …Christian from Colossae, perhaps the founder of the church in that city (Col 4:12; 1:7). He went to Rome during Paul’s 1st imprisonment and gave the local church a good report on him.
Who wrote Philemon in the Bible?
The problem of slavery
During the first four centuries of the Christian era it was believed that Paul wrote this letter to Philemon to beg him to show mercy to his escaped slave, Onesimus, who was returning home.
What is the name of Filemon’s slave?
Theme. Onesimus is a slave of Philemon, but he has run away from his owner, taking with him money or other possessions (FLam_16, 18). He thus arrives in Rome, no doubt expecting to lose himself in the city’s crowds. While there he meets Paul, and through him becomes a believer in Jesus Christ.