Matthew Poole and continuators on Colossians 4:9

9 With Onesimus a faithfull and beloved brother, who is one of you . They shall make known unto you all things which are done here .

With Onesimus whom he adjoyns to Tychicus. Some because of his following commendation think him to be another person different from the fugitive Servant of Philemon, but the most comparing the description here, with the circumstances in the Epistle Philemon, v. 10, 16. &c. conclude him to be the very same, taking Philemon for a Colossian.

There, as here, being expresly called a beloved Brother yea and which may answer to faithfull, Paul's spiritual Son, who (whatever he had been) would be profitable and a benefit to Philemon, whom Paul would have to receive him as his own bowels. And that which might commend him to the Colossians was that he was one of that City, or the same birth with themselves.

These two persons of Credit (upon the Apostles Testimony) in their different circumstances, might as joint witnesses, give them a full and certain account how things went with the Church, and particularly with Paul now a Prisoner at Rome.

Marginal references: Philem. v. 10.