Philemon 1:23-24
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)
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Calling Epaphras a "fellow prisoner" highlights a deep solidarity, suggesting he shared in Paul's suffering for Christ, whether literally imprisoned or in a more profound, spiritual sense of shared struggle. This connection elevates Epaphras beyond just a messenger, revealing a shared experience of hardship for the sake of the gospel.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to Philemon by sending greetings from his companions who are with him. This comes right after Paul has pleaded with Philemon to graciously receive back his runaway slave, Onesimus, who has now become a believer. The final greetings emphasize the community of faith and shared suffering, highlighting that Epaphras, like Paul, has experienced hardship for their shared commitment to Christ.
Paul calls Epaphras his 'fellow prisoner.' What does this phrase truly mean, and what does it reveal about their deep connection?
The term 'fellow prisoner' (συναιχμάλωτός μου) isn't just a casual description. It speaks to a profound bond forged in shared suffering for the sake of the Gospel.
Two Ways to Understand:
Regardless of the exact circumstance, this term emphasizes a deep, intimate fellowship rooted in their commitment to Christ, even in moments of adversity.
Who was this Epaphras, and why is his greeting significant enough to be included in this personal letter?
Epaphras is a key figure, particularly important to the churches in the Lycus Valley (Colossae, Laodicea, Hierapolis). His inclusion in this greeting, alongside others, offers insight into the interconnectedness of the early church and the personal touch Paul employed.
Key Connections:
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 shared spiritual struggle and imprisonment with Paul in Rome, underscoring the deep bonds formed during times of persecution and ministry.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul Imprisoned in Rome
The Apostle Paul, while under house arrest in Rome, dictates letters to various churches and individuals, including Philemon. He uses this time to continue his ministry and maintain contact with believers.
c. AD 60-62
Onesimus Flees and Meets Paul
Onesimus, a slave of Philemon, escapes and makes his way to Rome. There, by a remarkable turn of events, he encounters Paul, who leads him to faith in Christ.
c. AD 62
Paul Writes to Philemon
Paul writes the personal letter to Philemon, asking him to receive Onesimus back not as a runaway slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ.
c. AD 62
Epaphras Imprisoned with Paul
Epaphras, likely from Colossae and a fellow minister, is imprisoned with Paul in Rome. He sends greetings along with Paul's letter to Philemon.
This passage also mentions Epaphras as a fellow prisoner, directly linking his situation and greeting to those in Colossae, which was Philemon's home.
Colossians 4:12This verse identifies Epaphras as being from Colossae, reinforcing his connection to Philemon and the context of Paul's ministry in that region.
Romans 16:7This verse uses the same term for 'fellow prisoner,' referring to Andronicus and Junia, highlighting that this was a recognized way to describe those who suffered for the gospel alongside Paul.
Philippians 2:25While Epaphroditus is called a 'fellow soldier' here, not 'fellow prisoner,' it shows a similar concept of shared struggle and service in Christ that others experienced with Paul.
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…
Calling Epaphras a "fellow prisoner" highlights a deep solidarity, suggesting he shared in Paul's suffering for Christ, whether literally imprisoned or in a more profound, spiritual sense of shared struggle. This connection elevates Epaphras beyond just a messenger, revealing a shared experience of hardship for the sake of the gospel.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to Philemon by sending greetings from his companions who are with him. This comes right after Paul has pleaded with Philemon to graciously receive back his runaway slave, Onesimus, who has now become a believer. The final greetings emphasize the community of faith and shared suffering, highlighting that Epaphras, like Paul, has experienced hardship for their shared commitment to Christ.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to Philemon by sending greetings from his companions who are with him. This comes right after Paul has pleaded with Philemon to graciously receive back his runaway slave, Onesimus, who has now become a believer. The final greetings emphasize the community of faith and shared suffering, highlighting that Epaphras, like Paul, has experienced hardship for their shared commitment to Christ.
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c. AD 62
Letters to Colossae and Philippi
Around the same time, Paul writes epistles to the churches in Colossae and Philippi. These letters also mention Epaphras and other companions, providing context for the relationships and circumstances surrounding the letter to Philemon.
"Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers." — Calling Epaphras a "fellow prisoner" highlights a deep solidarity, suggesting he shared in Paul's suffering for Christ, whether literally imprisoned or in a more profound, spiritual sense of shared s…
