The Apostle Paul
Colossians 4:9KJV·traditional attribution

With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

John Calvin Reformed

Paul sends Onesimus with Tychicus, yet we cannot be certain who he was, it hardly fits that a fugitive slave bearing such a name would carry an embassy of weight. The phrase 'one of you' in Colossians and Philemon's connection to Archippus, a Colossian Christian, strongly suggest Onesimus belonged to that same city.

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Matthew Henry Presbyterian

Tychicus carries this letter so he can tell them Paul's full condition by word of mouth, which matters more to them than mere writing. Paul calls him a beloved brother and faithful minister, mark that a great apostle owns a faithful minister as brother, for faithfulness itself is lovely and commands affection.

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Commenting on Colossians 4:7-18

John Gill Reformed Baptist

Onesimus was Philemon's servant who ran away and was converted by Paul. Paul sends him now as a faithful and beloved brother, one of their own city, and gives the testimony of two messengers because two witnesses establish the matter. Tradition holds he became bishop of Beroea and suffered martyrdom.

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