How does the story of Onesimus relate to the Gospel?

Onesimus' story is a powerful illustration of the Gospel’s transformative power. Initially portrayed as 'unprofitable' (Philemon 1:11), Onesimus’ encounter with Paul led to his spiritual rebirth, where he was begotten in Paul’s bonds and deemed profitable through faith in Christ. This mirrors the larger truth of the Gospel: no matter how far one strays or how sinful one's past, God is able to redeem and restore. Paul's plea for Philemon to receive Onesimus (Philemon 1:12) parallels Christ’s call to all sinners, inviting them into fellowship despite their past, signifying that through grace, believers are made new and dearly adopted into God's family.