In his youth, Onesimus was a servant of Philemon, a Christian who lived in the city of Colossae, Phrygia. Guilty of some offense against his master and fearing punishment, Onesimus fled to Rome. However, being a runaway slave, he wound up in prison where he encountered the Apostle Paul, was enlightened by him, and was ultimately baptized.
In prison, Onesimus served the Apostle Paul like a son. Paul, who was personally acquainted with Philemon, wrote him a loving letter, asking him to forgive the runaway slave and to accept him as a brother. Paul sent Onesimus with this letter to his master, depriving himself of help. After receiving the letter, Philemon forgave Onesimus and sent him back to Rome to assist the apostle. Later, Philemon was consecrated bishop of the city of Gaza.
After the death of Paul, Onesimus served the apostles. Following their deaths he preached the Gospel in many lands, including Spain, Carpetania, Colossae ansd Patras. Onesimus occupied the bishop’s position at Ephesus in his old age, following the Apostle Timothy. When Saint Ignatius was taken to Rome for execution, Onesimus met with him along with other Christians, (noted by Saint Ignatius in his Epistle to the Ephesians).
During the reign of the emperor Trajan, Onesimus was arrested and brought to trial. Following a prison stay of eighteen days, he was sent to prison in the city of Puteoli. When authorities sent for the prisoner and determined that Onesimus would not renounce his faith in Christ, he had him stoned and then beheaded. It is believed that this took place in the year AD 109.
