Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Colossians 4:9

"together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things that [are done] here." — Colossians 4:9 (ASV)

Paul explains a twofold purpose he had in sending Tychicus to the Colossians: (1) “that you may know about our circumstances,” and (2) “that he may encourage your hearts.” Accompanying Tychicus was Onesimus, the runaway slave who in the providence of God had met Paul in Rome and had apparently been led to Christ by him (see introduction to Philemon). Paul is now sending Onesimus back to Colosse—with no mention of his past, but with the heartwarming phrase that he is now “one of you.”