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Day 5: The Legacy of Onesimus – From Slave to Servant of Christ
Scripture Focus: Philemon 22-25
Introduction
The story of Onesimus doesn’t end with Philemon’s decision—it extends into history. Onesimus went from being a runaway slave to a beloved brother, and according to early church tradition, he may have even become a leader in the church. His story is a testimony to how God redeems the broken and uses unlikely people for His purposes.
Paul’s Confidence in Philemon’s Obedience (Philemon 22-23)
Paul expresses faith in Philemon, saying:
✔ “Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.” (v. 21)
Paul believes that Philemon will not only forgive Onesimus but go beyond what is expected. This challenges us—when God calls us to extend grace, do we do the bare minimum, or do we go above and beyond?
Paul also expresses hope of visiting Philemon soon (v. 22), showing his trust in the ongoing transformation of this situation.
Onesimus’ Possible Legacy in the Early Church
The Bible does not tell us what happened to Onesimus after this letter, but early church tradition suggests that he:
✔ Became a faithful servant of the gospel
✔ Possibly became the bishop of Ephesus, overseeing a major Christian community
✔ May have played a role in preserving and sharing Paul’s letters
Whether or not these historical accounts are true, we do know that God used Onesimus in powerful ways beyond his past failures.
The Gospel is a Story of Transformation
Onesimus’ journey is a real-life example of the gospel:
✔ Once a runaway—now a redeemed child of God
✔ Once useless—now useful for the kingdom
✔ Once a slave—now a servant of Christ
His story reminds us that God does not define us by our past, but by His purpose for our future.
Application: How Can We Leave a Godly Legacy?
- Trust God to Use Your Story – Your past doesn’t disqualify you; God can redeem it.
- Walk in Your New Identity – Like Onesimus, embrace who you are in Christ, not who you were before.
- Live for a Greater Purpose – Every believer has a role in advancing God’s kingdom.
Final Thought
Onesimus began as a runaway slave but ended as a brother, servant, and possibly a church leader. His life is proof that God’s grace is greater than our failures. As you reflect on Philemon’s story, ask yourself: What kind of legacy am I leaving behind?
Reflection Question:
How is God calling you to step into His purpose and leave behind a transformed legacy?