Philemon 1:24
and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Philemon 1:24
and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
While listing his companions, Paul highlights Demas, a man who would later abandon him. This inclusion serves as a stark reminder that even those closely associated with ministry aren't immune to falling away, urging constant vigilance and reliance on God for steadfastness.
In this final section of his letter to Philemon, Paul wraps up his appeal for Onesimus by mentioning several companions who are with him. These men, including the evangelist Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke the physician, are presented as fellow workers, implying they join Paul in his plea for Onesimus's merciful reception and potentially his return.
Paul closes his letter with a list of names, but who were these people, and why are they important?
Paul concludes Philemon with a powerful affirmation of his community. These aren't just random names; they represent a network of faithful co-workers who support Paul's ministry and his plea for Onesimus.
These individuals, with their diverse backgrounds and roles, formed Paul's support system. Their inclusion here lends weight to his personal appeal to Philemon, showing that Paul's request for Onesimus was not a solitary one, but was backed by a community that shared his heart and mission.
What does it truly mean to be a 'fellow worker' in God's kingdom?
The term 'fellow workers' (synergos in Greek) is a favorite of Paul's, and it speaks volumes about the nature of ministry. It means 'working together' or 'co-laborers.' This isn't about individual stardom; it's about a shared effort and a unified purpose.
Understand the original words
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 closing salutations in Philemon place the letter firmly within Paul's Roman imprisonment, a period of intense ministry and correspondence, highlighting the close circle of companions who served alongside him.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's First Roman Imprisonment
The Apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome, likely under house arrest, during which time he wrote several letters, including Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philippians.
c. AD 60-62
Writing of the Letter to the Colossians
Paul also sent a letter to the church in Colossae around the same time he wrote to Philemon. The close ties between the two letters suggest they were written from the same location and possibly around the same time.
c. AD 62
Paul's Release from Roman Imprisonment
The New Testament records Paul's release from his first Roman imprisonment, a period during which he likely wrote to Philemon.
c. AD 64-67
Paul's Second Roman Imprisonment
Later, Paul was imprisoned again in Rome, a period marked by increased persecution. During this time, he wrote his final letter, 2 Timothy.
This passage lists Aristarchus and Mark as fellow workers, mirroring Philemon 1:24 and suggesting a shared ministry context and likely familiarity between these individuals and Philemon.
Colossians 4:14Luke is identified here as the 'beloved physician,' which adds a personal touch to his presence in Philemon 1:24 and highlights his role in Paul's ministry.
2 Timothy 4:10This verse offers a stark contrast to Philemon 1:24, mentioning Demas forsaking Paul, which adds a poignant depth to his inclusion as a 'fellow worker' and serves as a solemn reminder of the reality of spiritual struggle.
Acts 19:29Aristarchus is mentioned as being with Paul during a significant event in Ephesus, underscoring his history as a companion in challenging ministry circumstances and reinforcing his connection to Paul's work.
Acts 20:4This verse lists Aristarchus and Sopater as companions of Paul on a journey, again demonstrating his consistent role as a fellow laborer and supporter during significant missionary endeavors.
vincentPhilemon 1:24: "Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers."
MarkProbably John Mark the evangelist. He appears as the companion of Paul, Acts 12:25; Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11.AristarchusA Thessalonian. Alluded to Acts 19:29; Acts 20:4; Acts 27:2. He was Paul's companion for a part of the way on the journey to Rome.DemasSee Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:10.LukeThe physician and evangelist. See Introduction to Luke's Gospel.
calvinPhilemon 1:20-25: "Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord."
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Gratia Domini nostri Iesu Christi cum spiritu vestro. Amen.
Written from Rome to Philemon by Onesimus a servant.
Ad Philemonem missa fuit e Roma per Onesimum servum.
20 Yea, brother. This affirmation is used in order to increase the ardor of the exhortation; as if he had said -- "Now shall it be clearly proved that there…
While listing his companions, Paul highlights Demas, a man who would later abandon him. This inclusion serves as a stark reminder that even those closely associated with ministry aren't immune to falling away, urging constant vigilance and reliance on God for steadfastness.
In this final section of his letter to Philemon, Paul wraps up his appeal for Onesimus by mentioning several companions who are with him. These men, including the evangelist Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke the physician, are presented as fellow workers, implying they join Paul in his plea for Onesimus's merciful reception and potentially his return.
In this final section of his letter to Philemon, Paul wraps up his appeal for Onesimus by mentioning several companions who are with him. These men, including the evangelist Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke the physician, are presented as fellow workers, implying they join Paul in his plea for Onesimus's merciful reception and potentially his return.
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This concept challenges us to see our own contributions, no matter how small they may seem, as part of a larger, divine collaboration. Every act of service, every prayer offered, every word of encouragement is a form of 'working together' with God and His people.
c. AD 67
Demas's Desertion of Paul
During his final imprisonment, Paul notes that Demas, who is listed as a fellow worker in Philemon, had deserted him, apparently for love of the world.
"and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers." — While listing his companions, Paul highlights Demas, a man who would later abandon him. This inclusion serves as a stark reminder that even those closely associated with ministry aren't immune to fal…