Onesimus, Philemon, and Paul

Ministry to people on the move is nothing new. Since people first started turning away from God, he has been working out his redemptive purposes in the lives of men and women as they change locations.

There are many examples throughout the Bible of people who encountered the Lord in their travels, such as Jacob and Naaman in the Old Testament, or the Ethiopian official in the New Testament.

The Letter to Philemon

One example that is helpful as we consider Chinese returnee ministry is that of Onesimus. He is spoken about in the short letter to Philemon. Verse 1 of Philemon tells us that this letter was written by Paul and Timothy, probably around AD 60 when Paul was imprisoned in Rome. It was written to a man called Philemon, who appears to host a church in his home at Colossae, a city in present-day Turkey. The fact that he had a household suggests that he was somewhat wealthy.

Verse 2 tells us that the letter is to be shared with others in the church, including Apphia and Archippus, who may be Philemon’s family members. Some of those mentioned later in verses 23–25 are also mentioned in the letter to the Colossians, which was probably written to the same church about the same time. In particular, both letters refer to Epaphras, who seems to have been sent out from the church in Colossae to support Paul.

Verse 10 reveals that Paul is writing this letter in order to advocate on behalf of Onesimus. Onesimus was a slave in Philemon’s household who had run away from his master. It is unclear why he ran away. Like so many people traveling out from China today, it may have been a combination of pull factors (seeking better education and employment) and push factors (fleeing restriction and ill treatment). The mention of compensation in verse 18 suggests that Onesimus may have stolen money or goods when he ran away.

What is clear is that, while he is on the move, Onesimus comes to faith. He may have already heard some things about the Lord Jesus through the church that met in Philemon’s house, but it is only when he goes on the road that he starts to own it for himself. Praise God that many Chinese people are also encountering Christ as they travel around the world today and are committing themselves to follow him.

We do not know if it was Paul who shared the gospel with Onesimus, but it is clear that he is now helping Onesimus to grow in his new faith. Paul is encouraging Onesimus to go back to Colossae, which would not have been an easy thing for him to do. Runaway slaves could expect severe punishment and even death if they were captured. Recognizing the challenges ahead, Paul writes this letter to prepare the way for Onesimus’ return to Colossae.

Similarly, there are many reasons today why new Christians would not want to return to China. There is a strong possibility of persecution from their family, friends, and government. There are also many linguistic and cultural challenges to be grappled with. Perhaps they came to faith through a second language and do not know how to relate to God or God’s people in Chinese. It is also likely that the model of church they enjoyed overseas is very different from what will be available to them back in China. Thankfully there are those around the world who are also seeking to help prepare the way for their return.

So, in summary, we have a returnee who has come to faith on his travels (Onesimus). We have a church that will receive him back (Philemon). And we have a missionary who works to increase the likelihood of a successful re-integration (Paul).

Lessons for Returnee Ministry

What can those of us who are involved in Chinese returnee ministry learn from this letter? In verses 3–7, Paul begins by affirming Philemon’s love and partnership in the faith. A cynical interpretation might suggest that Paul is only using flattery to force Philemon into doing what he wants. What stops it from being manipulative is that Paul is appealing on the basis of a true relationship. He knows Philemon personally and is sincere in his words.

This highlights the importance of those involved in returnee ministry around the world maintaining deep and current relationships with the church in China. We do not want to force an outsider agenda upon them, however well-intentioned, or to merely use them to further our own ministry purposes. Developing and maintaining true partnership will require the involvement of Chinese believers in our returnee ministry teams and leadership structures.

Paul does not send Onesimus back to take unilateral action or to violently overthrow the institution of slavery. Instead, he is more interested in changing the worldview of the church through changed relationships. In verses 8–16, the heart of Paul’s appeal to Philemon’s church is for them to see the new potential in Onesimus. He encourages them to change their perspective on Onesimus from useless to useful (verse 11) and from a slave to a brother (verse 16).

In our own advocacy for Chinese returnees, we want to help the church in China to not see them as a problem to be dealt with (coming back with strange foreign ideas and a sense of superiority). Instead, we need to cast a vision for ways in which they can strengthen and enrich the church. We need to talk about how they may have become useful for the church, serving locally and as catalysts for evangelism and cross-cultural missions.

Paul has not only developed a close relationship with the church that Onesimus will go back to, but he also has a close relationship with Onesimus. Paul strongly identifies himself with Onesimus, referring to him as “his son” (verse 10) and “his very heart” (verse 12). In verses 17–22, he appeals to Philemon to treat Onesimus as if he were welcoming Paul himself. Additionally, Paul is willing to bear the financial cost on Onesimus’ behalf (verse 18) and plans to visit to check up on how his transition has gone (verse 22).

Are we similarly invested in the Chinese returnees with whom we are journeying? Do we identify closely with them, or do we just see them casually at a weekly Bible study? Are we willing to go the extra mile for them, as Paul did for Onesimus? Do we continue to follow up with them after they have returned to China?

Paul’s approach to returnee ministry follows the example of Christ. It is Jesus who identifies with us, who substitutes himself in our place, who intercedes on our behalf, and who will come again to follow up! Are we similarly modeling Jesus in our ministries to those who may one day return to China?

Conclusion

Onesimus was called to be useful. What is our hope for Chinese returnees? Do we just desire them to persevere in faith after their return, or are we working towards something greater? Onesimus went back to Colossae as a powerful agent of change, demonstrating the gospel’s power to redeem and break down barriers. May those returning to China from around the world also be used powerfully for God’s kingdom.

Philemon was called to welcome Onesimus back. History does not record how he responded to Paul’s letter, but it seems likely that there was a good outcome. Church tradition suggests that Onesimus went on to become a bishop in Byzantium or Ephesus. Similarly, the church in China is called to welcome back returnees today. May the church in China see the great potential in these people, rather than just regarding them as burdensome.

Paul was called to support Onesimus in his difficult transition. However, he did not need to do this alone. Timothy, Epaphras, and others were also working alongside him. May God also raise up teams of people around the world today, serving closely together to prepare and equip those returning to China. Sometimes, we may not feel able to offer much. We can take comfort from the fact that Paul was able to have a large impact on the life of Onesimus—and through him, in the church in Colossae—even while he was restricted in prison. May we similarly be used in all our weaknesses and limitations to have a meaningful impact on the lives of Chinese returnees, and through them, on the church in China.