Onesimus is an example of redemption and restoration. A runaway slave in the first-century Roman world, Onesimus found himself in a situation far beyond his control. Yet, by divine providence, Onesimus crossed paths with the Apostle Paul, who was in prison at the time. In the letter to Philemon, Paul speaks of Onesimus as a man who had once been “unprofitable,” but now had become “profitable” to both Paul and Philemon (Philemon 1:11).

Onesimus’ journey to faith was a transformative one. He was not just physically fleeing from a harsh reality, but spiritually from a life of sin. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, he encountered Christ and became a beloved brother in the Lord. Paul, writing to Philemon, urges him to receive Onesimus back, not as a slave but as a fellow believer—“If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself” (Philemon 1:17). The resurrection power of Jesus Christ had broken the chains of sin and shame, and Onesimus was now fully redeemed.

Onesimus’s story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. No matter our past, no matter the mistakes or failures, we are all candidates for redemption in Christ. It doesn’t matter where we come from or what we’ve done—God’s grace is sufficient. And once we are in Christ, we are new creations, worthy of being called brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Today, if you feel like you’ve run away from God or messed up beyond repair, remember Onesimus. His life was a testimony that God can take someone from their worst moments and turn them into faithful, fruitful servants. Jesus can make you whole, and He has a place for you in His family.