What does Colossians 4:9 mean?

Along with Tychicus (Colossians 4:7–8), Onesimus is also tasked with helping deliver this letter to the Colossians. Onesimus was a runaway slave, once owned by a Christian named Philemon (Philemon 1). Philemon had come to faith in Christ through Paul's influence in Rome. During this same trip, Onesimus also delivered the letter Paul wrote to his master, living in this same city. History records that Philemon granted Paul's request to free Onesimus (Philemon 1:15–18), who later served as a church leader.

Paul accepted Onesimus as a fellow believer in Christ, despite being a runaway slave. At that time, this was not only violation of social rules, it was a crime punishable by death. Onesimus was also from Colossae, which is why Paul could claim he "is one of you." These two men—Onesimus and Tychicus—were bringing additional news not found in Paul's written letters. It is intriguing to speculate what additional information these men shared during their visit with the Colossian Christians. We are left with four brief chapters, yet their spoken teachings and reports probably included many hours of additional information.