Study together · The Cast

Onesimus

A runaway slave who met Paul in prison and was sent home as a beloved brother.

The story

1. Useless Philem 11

   A slave who runs away.

2. My child in prison Philem 10

   He meets Paul and believes.

3. Useful Philem 11-13

   He serves Paul in his chains.

4. Sent back Philem 12-16

   He returns to the master he left.

5. Faithful and beloved brother Col 4:9

   Sent to the church as one of them.

Key verses

“Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.” Philemon 1:11 (ESV)

Read together: Philem 11 · Philem 10 · Philem 11-13 · Philem 12-16 · Col 4:9

Questions to sit with

1. Onesimus had to go back and face the person he wronged. Is there a road home you have been avoiding?
2. Paul changed his label from useless to useful to brother. Whom have you labeled?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission.