Philemon 1:23-24
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus" isn't just about sharing jail cells; it highlights a profound spiritual solidarity. Epaphras is identified not merely as someone who happened to be imprisoned alongside Paul, but as someone united with him through their shared experience of suffering for Christ, emphasizing a deep, spiritual kinship forged in hardship.
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up his letter to Philemon, moving from the personal plea about Onesimus to a series of warm greetings. These final words connect the immediate situation with a wider community of believers, reinforcing the letter's context within the early church and Paul's own ministry. The mention of Epaphras as a "fellow prisoner" adds a layer of shared hardship and spiritual solidarity to their common mission.
Paul calls Epaphras his 'fellow prisoner.' What does this really mean? Was it literal, or something deeper?
When Paul calls Epaphras his "fellow prisoner" (Greek: synaichmalotos), he uses a powerful image. While it's debated whether Epaphras was literally imprisoned alongside Paul, the term carries a profound spiritual weight.
Who was Epaphras, and why is he mentioned here? His connection to Colossae reveals his heart for his community.
Epaphras is a significant figure in Paul's ministry, particularly connected to the church in Colossae. His inclusion in this personal letter to Philemon isn't accidental; it underscores his deep involvement and care.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
aichmalōtos · Greek Noun
A term used to describe a person who shares in the captivity, persecution, or suffering associated with the work of the Gospel. It underscores the cost of discipleship and the unity of the body of Christ in trial.
synergos · Greek Noun
One who labors or works alongside others in the kingdom of God. It signifies partnership, shared purpose, and equality in service to the Lord.
The term 'fellow prisoner' for Epaphras likely refers to a spiritual solidarity and shared hardship in serving Christ, rather than a literal shared cell, as Epaphras was likely in Rome to support Paul and minister to him, possibly facing suspicion himself.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome, likely under house arrest, where he had considerable freedom to receive visitors and write letters. This period is considered the likely time for the writing of Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philippians.
c. AD 60-62
Epaphras Travels to Rome
Epaphras, a leader from Colossae and likely the founder of its church, traveled to Rome. He ministered alongside Paul, possibly sharing in his confinement or facing suspicion due to his association with the imprisoned apostle.
c. AD 62
Writing of the 'Prison Epistles'
During his Roman imprisonment, Paul wrote several letters, including Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philippians. These letters reflect his ministry and relationships during this confinement.
c. AD 62
Onesimus Flees and Meets Paul
Onesimus, a slave from Colossae owned by Philemon, escaped and eventually met Paul in Rome. He became a Christian under Paul's ministry and was later sent back to his master.
This passage also mentions Epaphras among Paul's companions, highlighting his role as a fellow worker and his connection to the Colossian church, reinforcing his identity and relationship with Paul.
Colossians 4:12This verse describes Epaphras as 'always wrestling in prayer for you,' which provides a spiritual context for his 'fellow prisoner' status, suggesting a shared struggle in ministry and prayer, even if not literal chains.
Romans 16:7This verse uses the same Greek word for 'fellow prisoner,' referring to Andronicus and Junia, indicating that this designation could be used for those who shared in the hardships of ministry for Christ, not necessarily literal imprisonment.
Philippians 2:25Here, Epaphroditus is called a 'fellow soldier,' another term signifying shared struggle and commitment in the Christian mission, paralleling the idea of being a 'fellow prisoner' in service to Christ.
vincentPhilemon 1:23: "There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;"
Epaphras my fellow prisoner (Ἑπαφρᾶς ὁ συναιχμάλωτός μου).Epaphras is mentioned Colossians 1:7; Colossians 4:12. Some identify him with Epaphroditus, but without sufficient reason. Epaphroditus appears to have been a native of Philippi (Philippians 2:25), and Epaphras of Colossae (Colossians 4:12). Epaphroditus is always used of the Philippian, and Epaphras of the Colossian. The names, however, are the same, Ep…
meyerPhilemon 1:23: "There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;"
Philemon 1:23 f. Salutations from the same persons, Colossians 4:10-14 . ὁ συναιχμάλωτός μου ] See on Colossians 4:10 . Here it further has expressly the specifically Christian character.[82] Comp. δέσμιος ἐν κυρίῳ , Ephesians 4:1 . The Jesus Justus mentioned at Colossians 4:11 does not here join in the greeting. The reason for this cannot be ascertained. It is possible that this man was absent just at the moment of…
The phrase "fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus" isn't just about sharing jail cells; it highlights a profound spiritual solidarity. Epaphras is identified not merely as someone who happened to be imprisoned alongside Paul, but as someone united with him through their shared experience of suffering for Christ, emphasizing a deep, spiritual kinship forged in hardship.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to Philemon, moving from the personal plea about Onesimus to a series of warm greetings. These final words connect the immediate situation with a wider community of believers, reinforcing the letter's context within the early church and Paul's own ministry. The mention of Epaphras as a "fellow prisoner" adds a layer of shared hardship and spiritual solidarity to their common mission.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to Philemon, moving from the personal plea about Onesimus to a series of warm greetings. These final words connect the immediate situation with a wider community of believers, reinforcing the letter's context within the early church and Paul's own ministry. The mention of Epaphras as a "fellow prisoner" adds a layer of shared hardship and spiritual solidarity to their common mission.
"Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers." — The phrase "fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus" isn't just about sharing jail cells; it highlights a profound spiritual solidarity. Epaphras is identified not merely as someone who happened to be impr…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
