Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philemon 1:2
And to [our] beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy house:
2. our beloved Apphia ] Read, probably, our (lit., the) sister Apphia. The Vulgate combines the two readings, Appi sorori caris-sim. We may be sure that Apphia was Philemon’s wife. Her name was a frequent Phrygian name (written otherwise Aphphia; other forms found are Apph, Aphph), and had no connexion with the Latin Appia. See Lightfoot’s abundant evidence, pp. 372 4. We know Apphia from this passage only. Legend says that she was martyred with Philemon at Coloss. See further above, p. 152.
Archippus ] Probably Philemon’s son and (Col 4:17) a missionary-pastor of Coloss and its neighbourhood. Of him too we know nothing outside these allusions; his martyrdom, when he suffered with his parents, is a legend only. Lightfoot (p. 375) inclines to think that his pastorate lay at Laodicea, reasoning from the passage Col 4:15-17. But would he not have lived at Laodicea, if so? And if so, would he have been saluted thus, in this letter referring wholly to the home, in closest connexion with his (assumed) parents, and just before a mention of “ the church in their house ”? On the other hand, Archippus may have had to do with the mission at Laodicea, perhaps as superintending pastor, while resident at Coloss. Possibly he had lately undertaken such an extension of charge, and this might be referred to Col 4:17. But (see note there) we incline to think that that verse refers to Archippus and to a recent appointment to ministry at Coloss. See further above, p. 152.
See note on the Subscription to the Epistle, for a (late) mention of Archippus as “ the deacon ” of the Colossian Church.
our fellowsoldier ] In Christ’s great missionary campaign. Cp. Php 2:25, and our note. For the imagery, cp. 2Co 10:3-5; 1Ti 1:18 ; 2Ti 2:3-4. Wyclif, “ archip oure euene knyet.”
the church in thy house ] Cp. Col 4:15, and note. Philemon’s house was the Christian rendezvous of Coloss, and his great room the worship-place.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And to our beloved Apphia – This was a female (Greek agapete), and was probably the wife of Philemon.
And Archippus our fellow-soldier – See the notes at Col 4:17. It has been supposed that he was a son of Philemon, and this would appear not to be improbable, as he was one of his family. On the term fellow-soldier, see the notes at Phi 2:25. It is applied here to one who was a minister of the gospel, and who is spoken of in con nection with Paul as enlisted under the banners of the Captain of salvation, and waging a warfare with the wickedness of the world; compare the notes at 2Ti 2:3-4. That Archippus was a minister of the gospel, is clear from Col 4:17.
And to the church in thy house – Either the church that commonly met in his house, or more probably that was composed of his own family; compare the notes at Rom 16:5.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Phm 1:2
Our beloved Apphia
Apphia
It seems in the highest degree probable that Apphia was Philemons wife; probable, but in a lower degree, that Archippus was their son.
The mention of a woman between two such men, one the apostles fellow labourer, the other his fellow soldier, is a noble example of the spirit of the gospel (Gal 3:28). It is an unobtrusive yet real hint of the elevation of woman, as the whole letter is of the release of the other victim of classical civilisation, the slave. Thus, supported on both sides, she seems to have the place not of her own sex, but of her worth. (Bp. Wm. Alexander.)
A new reading
The reading the sister seems preferable to the beloved. It is superior in uncial authority. It is of course conceivable that beloved might have been exchanged for sister from motives of false delicacy. (Bp. Lightfoot.)
Sister
On the other hand, the adjective applied to Philemon might readily have suggested the same prefix to Apphia. The reading beloved seems scarcely grave enough for the dignified reserve which St. Paul never forgets in his tenderest moments. Above all, the word sister distinctly adds to the meaning. For it shows that Apphia had embraced the gospel, and was a baptised member of the Church, and thus preserves the line of thought in the sentiments balancing the epithets fellow worker, fellow soldier, applied to Philemon and Archippus. (Bp. Lightfoot.)
Addressed to both
Her friendly reception of the runaway would be quite as important as Philemons, and it is therefore most natural that the letter bespeaking it should be addressed to both. (A. Maclaren, D. D.)
Archippus our fellow soldier–
Archippus
He was perhaps Philemons son; or a family friend; or the minister of the family; the former hypothesis being perhaps the most probable, as the letter concerns a family matter. (Dean Alford.)
Archippus
was a Christian pastor at Colosse (Col 4:7), and a fellow soldier of St. Paul, in fighting the good fight of faith against the enemies of the gospel. (Bp. Chris. Wordsworth.)
Fellow soldier
The notion of the spiritual life–more especially as connected with definite ministerial functions–being a warfare, a campaign, a soldiers life, passed into New Testament from Old Testament (cf. Num 4:23; Num 8:24; 1Sa 2:22; 1Co 9:7; 2Co 10:4; 1Ti 1:18; 2Ti 2:4)
. The gospel campaigns in which Archippus was St. Pauls comrade in arms may have been those during the apostles sojourn at Ephesus (A.D. 54-57). Those who hold that St. Paul had a personal connection with Colosse will also point to Act 18:23. (Bp. Wm. Alexander.)
Soldier instead of worker
The variation of soldier for worker probably is due to the fact of Archippus being the bishop of the Laodicean church. In any case, it is very beautiful that the grizzled veteran officer should thus, as it were, clasp the hand of this young recruit, and call him his comrade. How it would go to the heart of Archippus! (A. Maclaren, D. D.)
A stern message
A somewhat stern message is sent to Archippus in the Colossian letter. Why did not Paul send it quietly in this, instead of letting a whole church know of it? It seems at first sight as if he had chosen the harshest way; but perhaps further consideration may suggest that the reason was an instinctive unwillingness to introduce a jarring note into the joyous friendship and confidence which sounds through this Epistle, nor would he bring public matters into this private letter. The warning would come with more effect from the church, and this cordial message of goodwill and confidence would prepare Archippus to receive the other, as rain showers make the ground soft for the good seed. The private affection would mitigate the public exhortation, with whatever rebuke may have been in it. (A. Maclaren, D. D.)
Fellow soldier
He calleth him a fellow soldier because they of the ministry (if they be faithful) are in continual warfare, not only against the continual engines and assaults of Satan, who withstandeth their ministry, but against false teachers, and against many other unreasonable men, as also against the sins and corruptions that reign or arise in their several charges. We see how men destitute of faith make continual war against them one way or other. (W. Attersoll.)
Ministers are soldiers
I. In the field.
1. Conflict.
(1) With Satans temptations.
(2) With persecutions (Timothy 2:3).
(3) With the perverse understanding, will, and affections of sinful man (2Co 10:4).
2. In victory.
(1) Over the elect, who are taken captive and made willingly to submit themselves to Jesus Christ, against whom formerly they fought under Satans banner.
(2) Over the reprobate, who are quite killed with the spiritual sword, and because they will not bend, are broken to pieces.
II. In the garrison. Though returned home glorious in victory, yet he must not sit down and rest, as though all were now despatched, but on with his defensive weapons, that he may be able to maintain his own. And herein first of all consisteth the second part of the ministers soldiership at home, namely, in having a wakeful eye to discern even the clouds of danger even arising afar off, and thereupon to give warning. Secondly, having so done, which is the half-arming of his people, according to the proverb, Forewarned, forearmed, he must fortify and make them strong against the power of the adversaries. First, by instructing them how to carry themselves, how both to wear and how to use that complete harness of the Christian soldier. Thus like a good captain doth he train his soldiers, teaching their hands to fight and fitting their fingers for the battle. Secondly, by praying for them; wherein he playeth the valiant soldier indeed, combating and conflicting with the Lord God Himself. This is called standing in the gap, and making up of the hedge (Eze 22:30). Look as the wife and provident martiallist will see where the city is weakest when the walls are anything decayed, and will bend his forces most of all to fortify that place, knowing the enemy will be sure to take advantage of that place for his more easy entering upon them, so likewise doth the faithful minister consider with himself where the sins of the people have most weakened them, and made any breaches in their walls, any gaps in their fence for Gods judgments to run in upon them, and there doth he make up the breach and stand up in the gap by earnest praying and calling upon the name of the Lord, as Aaron (Num 16:47). (D. Dyke, B. D.)
The warfare of work
Paul, indeed, loves to think of himself as a soldier; for in all earnest work there is verily something of war. Real labour itself is but a war against sloth and self-indulgent idleness. Agricultural labour is war on the weeds and the stubbornness of the soil. And so shall all work that kindles into the white heat of earnestness burst often into a war flame. (A. H. Drysdale, M. A.)
Fulfilling the true soldiership
We look past the lounging mercenary at his wrist. Not he, but Paul, is fulfilling the true soldiership of the world. We see the apostles work, by its intensity, rising into warfare; and as we hear him in his prayers, the warfare rises into worship before the Lord. (A. H. Drysdale, M. A.)
Christians are fellow soldiers
Those who speak of the Christian warfare, as I have observed, almost always limit it to the narrow path in which one treads alone. That was the idea so grandly wrought out by Bunyan in his Pilgrims Progress. But that sort of warfare belonged to the days of knight errantry. The modern soldiers of the Cross, like other soldiers, are massed in armies. No doubt each Christian has many a fight single-handed with the adversary. But those thrilling appeals in the Epistle to the Ephesians, concerning taking the whole armour of God, were addressed to the Church collectively. Individualism has its perils. Christians are fellow soldiers. We need to build a common barrier against the common foe. Side by side we need to charge on the enemys works. And then, in the final day of triumph, we shall join with thousands of thousands, and ten times ten thousand, in shouting the glad chorus of victory. (J. Hovey.)
The church in thy house—
Early Christian churches
As vast buildings, publicly consecrated and set apart, were impossible from the nature of the case in the earliest years of Christianity, houses of considerable size were employed for worship–like those of Aquila at Rome, of Nymphas or Philemon at Colosse–and the name of church seems to have been transferred at an early period from the collection of living souls to the building in which they met. (Bp. Wm. Alexander.)
An act of zeal
This was one way in which Philemon might be said to have refreshed the bowels of the saints (Phm 1:7), and to have shown his Christian faith and love to his poorer brethren. Here probably it was that St. Paul preached when at Colosse. This concession of some apartment in their own houses for the purposes of the public worship of the Christian Church, a sect everywhere spoken against in those days, was an act of zeal and courage on the part of the wealthier members of the Christian community, and seems to have elicited special expressions of notice, approval, and affection from St. Paul and the other apostles (Rom 16:5; Rom 16:23; Col 4:15; cf. 2Ti 1:16; 2Ti 4:19; 3Jn 1:6-7). (Bp. Chris. Wordsworth.)
A comprehensive salutation
He did not omit the slaves here; for he knew that the words of slaves can often change a masters purpose, and especially when they plead for a fellow servant. Some of them perhaps had stirred up Philemon against Onesimus. He does not permit them there to have any feeling of grudge, as he addresses them with the family. Nor does he give the master just reason for anger. If he had addressed the slaves by name, Philemon probably would have been displeased. See, then, how prudently he deals. For the word Church does not permit masters to be angry, if they are numbered with slaves. For the Church knows not the distinction of master and slave (Gal 3:28). (Chrysostom.)
Tact
Meyer remarks the tact of the apostle in associating with Philemon those connected with his house, but not going beyond the limits of the house. (Dean Alford.)
The domestic church
1. A Christians household a church of Christ.
2. Means and influences suited to make it such.
3. Pleasures and secular habits which tend to prevent it;
(1) by quenching the religious spirit;
(2) by interfering with domestic worship and training;
(3) by placing godliness in a secondary position.
4. Motives which should urge the Christian to utmost effort to secure it.
(1) Salvation of children and servants greatly dependent on him;
(2) God holds him responsible;
(3) world needs well-trained workers. (A. D. Johnson.)
A Church in a house
1. In this pious household there had been one graceless member. Onesimus must often have witnessed the holy engagements of this Church! listened to reproofs and appeals of Gods Word; seen the joyfulness of Christian faith and life. This aggravated the wrong he had done, and his sin against God and conscience.
2. Yet the holy influence was not lost. It prepared his heart for the apostles doctrine.
3. Apphias share in this influence may be safely reckoned upon. There is no power in a home like that of a mother or mistress. Womens work may seem the slowest, but it is the surest. (A. D. Johnson.)
The family church
Christians families should be little churches. How may a family come to deserve this title? For this purpose many things are required, whereof some are common to all in the family, others proper to some. Common to all are these two points–
1. If we would have our families churches then we that are members in families must labour to become true members of the Church. For a company of profane men is not the house of God, but a den and dungeon of thieves, adulterers, atheists, conspiring together against God. The which yet is not so to be understood, as if the name of a church could not be attributed to a family in which there are some not members of the Church, for even in the Church itself there are some in it that are not of it. Let therefore everyone of a family be desirous the house he dwells in should be Bethel–Gods house–bring one stone to the making of this spiritual house that so he may be able to say, This house is a holy edifice and I am one of the living stones that help to the making of it so.
2. That a family may obtain the commendation of being a Church, this is another thing that we require generally of all in the family, namely, that look what kind of men they are, or at least would seem to be, in the Church and public congregation, the same they would show themselves to be in the family and private conversement one with another. These be things common to all; now follow those peculiar to some–first to the chief, secondly the inferior. Those things which respect the chief are specially these–first, as much as in them lies, let them entertain none into their family whom God hath not first entertained into His. The Church doth not indifferently receive all and admit into her society by the sacrament of baptism the children of Turks and cannibals, strangers from the covenant, but only such ordinarily as are of a holy seed, the offspring of religious parents. So likewise must our families, if we would have them like churches, be something dainty who they receive. Davids example is to be imitated (Psalm cf.), whose eyes were unto the faithful of the land, that he might pick even the choicest of them for his service, and that so much the rather because far more easily may we keep out than cast such guests out of our houses. Secondly, the chief in the family must resemble the chief in the Church, namely, the pastors, etc., thereof; and that not only in those things which concern Gods service, but outward discipline also. For the first. There are two special duties of the pastor respecting Gods service, preaching and praying. In both these, in some measure, should the governors of the family be like to the pastors of the Church. First, therefore, they must instruct the whole family in that doctrine which is according to godliness. This they must do, first, in words; which Paul commandeth (Eph 6:1-24), and which God Himself commendeth in Abraham (Gen 18:1-33). Here, then, is censured that government of the family which is only civil, not religious. Assuredly, if the Word of God found not in thy house as in the Church it is unworthy the name of a church? Secondly, they must teach likewise by example. With David, walking in the uprightness of their hearts in the midst of their house; for the eye of the whole family is upon the governors thereof, as is the eye of the Church upon their pastors. Secondly, as in preaching, so likewise in praying, must they imitate the pastors; for the house of God is called the house of prayer. If, therefore, this principal part of Gods service be wanting in any house, how can it be called Gods house? Thus must they be like the pastors in things concerning Gods service. Secondly, they must resemble them in their discipline, causing their household discipline to be answerable to the Church discipline. First, that which is the ground of all good discipline, they must have a very watchful and attentive eye over every soul in the family, so that they may know the several natures, conditions, and dispositions of all, and so proportion their government accordingly. This is rightly to play the bishop, who hath that name from his careful overseeing of the flock (Act 20:20). Secondly, after that the eye hath laid these foundations the hand must build thereon. First, as soon as it hath received warning from the eye of some evil that is in brewing, in stretching forth itself and arming itself to hinder it, and keep the authors thereof within their bounds. For this purpose both admonitions and threatenings must be used, but especially wholesome laws must be enacted for the prohibiting and preventing of things unlawful. Secondly, the same hand which made the sword of good laws for the prevention of evil to come must draw it out for the punishment of evil past, and not suffer it to lie rusting in the sheath. If, then, any shall break those good laws which the governors of the families have made, let the punishments threatened be inflicted, that so those who would not obey the precepts of the law may perforce be constrained to obey the threatenings thereof. Now herein must there be an imitation of Church discipline. Look, then, as in the Church the offender is first admonished divers times, and at length, not profiting by those admonitions, is excommunicated and dis-synagogued, so likewise in thy family, finding wicked and ungodly ones, first must thou deal with them by admonition, reprehension, castigation; and if, for all these means, they still remain incorrigible, then cast them out of thy house, and think their room better than their company. If the king were to come to thy house, and there were some in it he could not abide, wouldest thou not discharge them thine house, if so be thou wert desirous of the kings presence? And entertaining traitors in thy house, traitors against God, thinkest thou that He will come and pitch His tent and take up His lodging with thee? These be the things proper to the chief. Now follow those which belong to the inferiors, in the which, as in the former, their governors resembled the pastors of the Church, they must resembled the rest of the body of the Church. First, in matter of doctrine. As the Church acknowledgeth those that are over her, in the Lord, and obeyeth them (1Th 5:1-28; Heb 13:1-25), so must those that are under government carry themselves reverently and respectively towards their governors, cheerfully and conscionably obeying, as all other of their lawful commands, so especially those which concern Gods worship. And as by the example of the pastors, the rest of the Church are stirred up to godliness (Php 4:9), so must the inferiors in the family be encouraged and inflamed to virtue, when they shall see their superiors going before them. Secondly, they must resemble the Church in matters of discipline. First, enduring those chastisements, either verbal or real, which for their deserts are inflicted, and freely acknowledging the equity of them. Secondly, if at any time they see any of their fellows misbehaving himself, first let them try what they can do themselves by admonition; but if that way they prevail not, then according to the example of the ecclesiastical discipline (Mat 18:1-35), let them acquaint their governors therewithal. (D. Dyke, B. D.)
A Christian household
We have here shown to us, by one stray beam of twinkling light, for a moment, a very sweet picture of the domestic life of that Christian household in their remote valley. It shines still to us across the centuries which have swallowed up so much that seemed more permanent, and silenced so much that made far more noise in its day. The picture may well set us asking ourselves the question whether we, with all our boasted advancement, have been able to realise the true ideal of Christian family life as these three did. The husband and wife dwelling as heirs together of the grace of life, their child beside them, sharing their faith and service, their household ordered in the ways of the Lord, their friends Christs friends, and their social joys hallowed and serene–what nobler form of family life can be conceived than that? What a rebuke and satire on many a so-called Christian household! (A. Maclaren, D. D.)
Family worship
Robert Halls words on this subject are as beautiful as they are true. Family worship, he says, serves as edge or border to prevent the web of life from unravelling.
Influence of personal contact
Said General Havelock, in reply to a remark of a friend as to his influence over the men of his regiment, I keep close to them–have personal contact with each man and know each mans name. (Preachers Lantern.)
Refreshment in the Church
The bee cannot gather honey on the wing. No more can Christs disciples gain refreshment and sustenance in the midst of the worlds bustle, save by habitually alighting and drawing on the resources of Christs presence and grace afforded in the assemblies of the saints. Not as though the Church were only a convalescent home for recruiting spiritual energies–it is no less a field for their exercise and development. It is the seat and centre of witnessing for Christ and of working for Him. His disciples need not think to carry dark lanterns. Loyalty to Him will not be ashamed to confess His name before men. (A. H. Drysdale, M. A.)
The mission of the Church
For as the lowly bush receives the dew of heaven, not to absorb it on itself, but to distil a portion on the yet lowlier plant that may grow at its root, so must the Church in the house learn to do good and distribute, as a steward for Christ of that gospel which is committed to it in trust for others. Even the lordly mountain catches the first outpourings of the skies, not to treasure them up in its own bosom, but to send them down in limpid and refreshing streams along the valleys and meadows below. And so it is the mission of the Church of Christ at large to fulfil such offices of gospel mercy as shall make the wilderness and solitary place be glad for them, and the desert rejoice and blossom as the rose, and to be the instrument of Christian enterprise and effort to the ends of the earth. (A. H. Drysdale, M. A.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 2. APPHIA. . Under the word Suidas says: Appha is the affectionate address of a brother or sister; or the diminutive of a brother and sister, used to express kindness and affection. Hence the apostle, referring to the meaning of the word, says: And to Apphia the beloved sister. Though sister, be not in our common text, it is found in AD*EFG, several others, the Itala, Vulgate, Slavonic, c. and is undoubtedly genuine.
ARCHIPPUS, . The ruler or master of the horse; from , a chief, and , a horse. HEROES of old were, both among the Greeks and Trojans, celebrated for their skill in managing and taming the horse, and employing him in war; this frequently occurs in Homer. The import of the name of Archippus might suggest this idea to the apostle’s mind, and lead him to say: Archippus our FELLOW SOLDIER.
Suidas mentions a person of this name, who was once victor at the games, in the ninety-first Olympiad.
There was one of the pupils of Pythagoras of this name; and I introduce him here for the sake of a quotation from St. Jerome, (Apol. adv. Ruffin.,) relative to the doctrines taught by him and his fellow disciple, Lysis: , , , , , “By all means and methods these evils are to be shunned and cut off: effeminacy from the body; IGNORANCE from the soul; delicacies from the belly; sedition from the city; discord from the house; and, in general, intemperance from all things.” Vid. FAB. Thes. Erud. Schol.
ONESIMUS, . Useful or profitable; from , to help. The import of this name led the apostle to play upon the word thus: I beseech thee for any son Onesimus – which in time past was to thee UNPROFITABLE, but now PROFITABLE to thee and me.
To the Church in thy house] The congregation of Christians frequently assembling in Philemon’s house; for at this time the Christians had neither temples, churches, nor chapels. See Clarke on Ro 16:5, and the reference there.
It is very probable that Apphia was the wife of Philemon, and Archippus, their son, the pastor of the Church at Philemon’s house.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Apphia was the Roman name of a woman; the naming of her before Archippus, a minister, makes it probable she was Philemons wife. It appears this
Archippus was a minister, from Col 4:17. He calleth him his fellow soldier, because he was engaged in some of those many dangers Paul encountered, but we are not told in Scripture which.
And to the church in thy house; all those Christians that live in thy family: we have the like expression, Rom 16:5; 1Co 16:19; Col 4:15. The apostle doth not always by the term church signify a body under ecclesiastical discipline, but sometimes calleth a company of Christians ordinarily conversing together by that name. Those who think the body of the church were wont constantly to meet in Philemons house, seem not to consider how the dangers of those times made such a thing hardly practicable.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
Apphia the Latin,Appia; either the wife or some close relative of Philemon. Sheand Archippus, if they had not belonged to his family, would not havebeen included with Philemon in the address of a letter on a domesticmatter.
Archippus a minister of the Colossian Church (Col4:17).
fellowsoldier (2Ti2:3).
churchin thy house In the absence of a regular church building, the houses ofparticular saints were used for that purpose. Observe Pauls tactin associating with Philemon those associated by kindred or Christianbrotherhood with his house,and not going beyond it.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And to our beloved Apphia,…. The Alexandrian copy reads, “to sister Apphia”; and the Vulgate Latin version, “to the beloved sister Apphia”; for this is a woman’s name; and it is thought that she was the wife of Philemon, since she is placed next to him, and before Archippus, a minister of the word; and very prudently is she wrote to, and justly commended, in order to engage her to use her interest with her husband to receive his servant again, who otherwise might have stood against it, and been a very great hinderance to a reconciliation: this clause is wanting in the Ethiopic version:
and Archippus our fellow soldier; that this Archippus was a preacher of the Gospel at Colosse is manifest from Col 4:17 wherefore the apostle styles him a fellow soldier; for though this character belongs to private Christians, who are enlisted as volunteers under Christ, the Captain of salvation, and fight under his banners, against sin, Satan, and the world, being accoutred with the whole armour of God, and are more than conquerors through Christ that has loved them; yet it very eminently belongs to the ministers of the Gospel, who are more especially called upon, to endure hardness, as good soldiers of Christ; to war a good warfare, to fight the good fight of faith; and besides the above enemies common to all believers, to engage with false teachers, and earnestly contend for the faith of the Gospel, that so it may continue with the saints. Now this man was in the same company, and in the same service, engaged in the same common cause, against the same enemies, and under the same Captain, and was expecting the same crown of immortality and glory, and therefore he calls him his fellow soldier; and he wisely inscribes his epistle to him, that he might make use of the interest he had in Philemon, and his wife, to bring this matter to bear, the apostle writes about:
and to the church in thy house: not in the house of Archippus, but in the house of Philemon; and designs not the church at Colosse, as though it met at his house; but his own family, which for the great piety and religion which were among them, and for the good order and decorum in which they were kept, were like a church of themselves; and here again the apostle acts the wise part, in order to gain his point, by taking notice of them, who might some of them have been injured or affronted by Onesimus, when with them; and so entertained some resentment against him, and might put a bar in the way of his reception into the family again.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
To Apphia our sister ( ). Dative case in address. A common name in Phrygian inscriptions and apparently the wife of Philemon. “Sister” is in the Christian sense.
To Archippus (). Dative case in address. It is uncertain whether he is the son of Philemon or not. Apparently he is prominent in the church in Colossae, possibly even pastor, probably not in Laodicea as some understand Col 4:17 to imply.
Fellow-soldier (). Old word, only here and Php 2:25 in N.T. In metaphorical sense. Perhaps while Paul was in Ephesus.
To the church in thy house ( ‘ ). The church that met in the house of Philemon. In large cities there would be several meeting-places. Before the third century there is no certain evidence of special church buildings for worship (White, Exp. Grk. T.). See Ac 12:12 for Mary’s house in Jerusalem, 1Co 16:19 for the house of Aquila and Prisca in Ephesus, Ro 16:5 for the house of Prisca and Aquila in Rome, Col 4:15 for the house of Nympha in Laodicea.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Our beloved Apphia [ ] . Read th aJudelfh the [] sister. Commonly supposed to have been Philemon’s wife. The word is not the common Roman name Appia, but is a Phrygian name, occurring frequently in Phrygian inscriptions. It is also written Aphphia, and sometimes Aphia.
Archippus. Possibly the son of Philemon and Apphia. From Col 4:17 he would appear to have held some important office in the church, either at Colossae or at Laodicaea, which lay very near. In Colossians his name occurs immediately after the salutation to the Laodicaeans.
Fellow – soldier. In christian warfare. Perhaps at Ephesus. Applied also to Epaphroditus, Phi 2:25.
The church in thy house. See on Rom 16:5.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier.” (kai Apphia te adelphe)” And to Apphia the (beloved) sister” (kai Archippo to sustratiote hemon) “And to Archippus the fellow soldier of us.” Archippus was a minister of the Gospel, Col 4:17.
2) “And to the church in thy house” (kai te kat’ oikon sou ekklesia) “And to the church (meeting) at thy house.” New Testament churches often met in homes of the believers. Such verifies and indicates the local, physical, and visible nature of the church in action. 1) Aquila and Priscilla had a church in their house in Ephesus, 1Co 16:19; 1 Corinthians 2) Nymphas had a church in his house in Laodicea, Col 4:15; Colossians , 3) perhaps Jason, Act 17:4-9; Acts , 4) Justus, Act 18:7-8.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
2. And to Archippus our fellow-soldier. He next adds “Archippus,” who appears also to have been a minister of the Church; at least, if he be the same person who is mentioned towards the conclusion of the Epistle to the Colossians, (Col 4:17,) which is not at all improbable; for the designation — “fellow-soldier” — which he bestows on this latter individual, belongs peculiarly to ministers. Although the condition of a soldier belongs to all Christians universally, yet because teachers may be regarded as standardbearers in the warfare, they ought to be ready more than all others to fight, and Satan usually gives them greater annoyance. It is also possible, that Archippus attended and shared in some contests which Paul maintained; and, indeed, this is the very word that Paul makes use of, whenever he mentions persecutions.
And to the Church which is in thy house. By employing these terms, he bestows the highest praise on the family of Philemon. And certainly it is no small praise of a householder, that he regulates his family in such a manner as to be an image of the Church, and to discharge also the duty of a pastor within the walls of his dwelling. Nor must we forget to mention that this good man had a wife of the same character; for she, too, not without reason, is commended by Paul.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(2) Apphia.The name is usually taken to be the Roman name Appia. But the occurrence of such a name in a Grco-Asiatic family, though of course possible, is perhaps improbable; and Dr. Lightfoot has shown that it occurs in the form Apphia in many Phrygian inscriptions, and may therefore be naturally supposed to be a native name. There seems little doubt that Apphia was Philemons wife, like himself the beloved, though not the fellow-labourer or partner of St. Paul.
Archippus our fellow soldier.From this mention of Archippus we may certainly conclude that he was a member of Philemons family; the ordinary conjecture makes him his son. The name fellow-soldier, applied elsewhere only to Epaphroditus (Php. 2:25), as the name soldier of Jesus Christ to Timothy (2Ti. 2:3), appears to denote ministerial office in Archippus, which agrees with the charge to him in Col. 4:18 to take heed to his ministry and fulfil it.
Church in thy house.See Note on Col. 4:15. The specially domestic and personal character of the Epistle need not induce any limitation of the phrase to Philemons own family. As the joining of Timothys name in giving the salutation did not prevent the Letter from being St. Pauls only, so the joining the Church in the house in the receiving of the salutation does not prevent its being addressed only to Philemon and his family, who were, like himself, interested in Onesimus.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
2. Apphia The Roman name Appia; doubtless designating Philemon’s wife. Tradition honours her as a martyr with her husband.
Archippus Signifying “master of horse,” and so Paul’s fellow soldier. This heroic title confirms the belief that Col 4:17 (where see note) was a word of cheer to him, and not of reproof.
Church in thy house Notes on Rom 16:5; 1Co 16:19; and Col 4:15. From the last passage it is certain that there were at least two house-churches in Colosse. Probably there were several, each with its own churchly organization, and collectively forming the Church of Colosse addressed by St. Paul’s epistle. A number of house-congregations would require several sets of elders and deacons; which would naturally require a president-presbyter or bishop for the city, including suburbs. A wealthier member supplied a room, or, perhaps, the court of his house; and his home became a “meeting-house,” a “church.” The Greek commentator, Theodoret, fifth century, says: “Philemon was a citizen of Colossae, and his house still remains in that city.” Its double character as church and residence might render it memorable and traditional. Though the matter of Onesimus was personal between St. Paul and Philemon alone, yet it would possess an interest for the entire coterie that met for worship in Philemon’s court. An epistle from the great apostle, and glad news from the fugitive Onesimus, would raise a stir in the hearts of the little band, and form rich topic for listening ears and praying lips.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Phm 1:2. Apphia, This was a Roman name. St. Paul writes it Apphia, after the Hebrew manner; the Romans wrote it Appia. She is conjectured by some of the fathers, and asserted by others, to have been the wife of Philemon; and as she is mentioned next to Philemon, and beforeArchippus, who was a minister in the church at Colosse, the conjecture seems not improbable. By the apostle’s styling her sister (according to the several ancient copies and versions,) or the beloved, according to the common reading, she appears to have been a Christian; and it is most likely that she was addressed, in order to engage her interest in behalf of Onesimus, with a view to whose affair the whole Epistle was evidently written, in its primary sense. Archippus has been generally thought to be Philemon’s son; probably he was one of St. Paul’s assistants, who had some gifts of the Spirit, and had devoted himself very much to the work of the ministry in Colosse. They might have been called fellow-soldiers with the apostles, who with them fought the good fight of faith; for the Christian life is a warfare: but the apostle seems to have used the phrase for “such as in those times of persecution took pains to preach and spread the Christian religion,” Php 2:25. 1Ti 1:18. 2Ti 2:3-4. By thechurch in Philemon’s house, the apostle seems to have meant his whole family, who were Christians, and united together in Christ’s worship. See Rom 16:5. 1Co 16:19.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Phm 1:2 . That Appia was the wife of Philemon (Chrysostom, Theodoret, Theophylact, and many) does not indeed admit of proof, but is the more probable, in proportion as the intercession for the slave was a matter of household concern, in which case the mstress of the house came into view. On the form of the name with instead of (Act 28:15 ), comp. in Mionnet, Description des midailles , III. 179, IV. 65, 67, and the forms and . See also Lobeck, Paral. p. 33.
] in the sense of Christian sisterhood, like , Phm 1:1 .
Archippus , too (see on Col 4:17 ), must have belonged to the family circle of Philemon. But whether he was precisely son of Philemon (Michaelis, Eichhorn, Rosenmller, Olshausen, Hofmann, and already Theodore of Mopsuestia) we cannot determine. Chrysostom and Theophylact take him to be a friend of the household; Theodoret, to be the teacher to the household.
. .] As in Phi 2:25 . The relation cannot be more precisely ascertained. He may have been deacon (according to Ambrosiaster and Jerome, he was even bishop ), but must have endured conflict and trouble for the gospel. Comp. likewise 2Ti 2:3 .
. . . .] not to be understood of the family of Philemon (Chrysostom, Theodoret, Theophylact: , , comp. Calvin and Storr), but of the section of the Christians at Colossae , which met in his house . [65] See on Col 4:15 . Wisely (see on Phm 1:1 ) does Paul although otherwise in Phm 1:4-24 he only speaks to Philemon enlist the interest not merely of Appia and Archippus, but also of the church in the house, and therewith embrace the whole circle, in which there was to be prepared for the converted fugitive a sanctuary of pardon and affection. But farther than this he does not go; not beyond the limits of the house , since the matter, as a household-affair , was not one suited to be laid before the Christian community collectively . To the latter, however, he at the same time (Col 4:9 ) commended his protg , though without touching upon the particular circumstances of his case. Correct tact on the part of the apostle.
[65] Perhaps it is to this part of the address, which directed the letter to a congregational circle , that we are indebted for the preservation of the document the only one of the certainly very numerous private letters, which the apostle wrote in the prosecution of his many-sided labours.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
Ver. 2. And to our beloved Apphia ] For Appia, but this was the manner of pronunciation at Tarsus, St Paul’s country. This Apphia was (saith Theodoret) Philemon’s wife; whose goodwill might make much to the furtherance of St Paul’s suit.
And Archippus our fellowsoldier ] Who seems to have sojourned with Philemon. See Trapp on “ Col 4:17 “
And to the church in thy house ] Every Christian family is a church. But Philemon’s house was (belike) a public meeting house, and so continued for many years after, as Theodorct witnesseth.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Phm 1:2 . : A Phrygian name, often occurring on Phrygian inscriptions. It is most natural to suppose that she was the wife of Philemon: but she must have occupied also, most likely, a quasi-official position in the Church; , coming between and , suggests this, especially when one remembers the important part the ministry of women played in the early Church, cf. the labours, e.g. , of Mary, Tryphaena and Tryphosa, Persis, in connexion with whom the semi-technical term is used (see 1Th 5:12 , 1Ti 5:17 , for the use of this word), and Prisca; on the whole subject see Harnack, The Mission and Expansion of Christianity , i., pp. 122 f., 161 f., 363 f. (1908). : there is nothing to show that he was the son of Philemon, rather the contrary, for why should the son be addressed in a letter which dealt with one of his father’s slaves? The inclusion of his name must be due to the fact that he occupied an important position in the local church ( cf. the words which follow in the text), which was thus, in a certain sense, included in the responsibility with regard to Onesimus. Archippus occupied, apparently, a more important position than Philemon (see Col 4:17 , , , if Philemon had occupied any such official position mention would certainly have been made of it), but this would be most unlikely to have been the case if the latter had been the father of the former. It is more natural to regard him as the head of the local Church, who lived in the house where the members met for worship ( cf. Theodoret’s words, quoted by Lightfoot: ). : only elsewhere in N.T., Phi 2:25 , but for the metaphor cf. 2Co 10:3-4 , 1Ti 1:18 , 2Ti 2:3-4 , : Cf. Act 12:12 , Rom 16:5 , 1Co 16:19 , Col 4:15 . Up to the third century we have no certain evidence of the existence of church buildings for the purposes of worship; all references point to private houses for this. In Rome several of the oldest churches appear to have been built on the sites of houses used for Christian worship; see Sanday and Headlam, Romans , p. 421, who quote this interesting passage from the Acta Justini Martyris , 2 (Ruinart): “Quaesivit Praefectus, quem in locum Christiani convenient. Cui respondit Justinus, eo unumquemque convenire quo vellet ac posset. An, inquit, existimas omnes nos in eundem locum convenire solitos? Minime res ita se habet Tunc Praefectus: Age, inquit, dicas, quem in locum conveniatis, et discipulos tuos congreges. Respondit Justinus: Ego prope domum Martini cuiusdam, ad balneum cognomento Timiotinum, hactenus mansi.”
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
beloved. The texts read “sister”.
Apphia. Tradition says she was the wife of Philemon.
Archippus. See Col 4:11.
fellowsoldier. Only here and Php 1:2, Php 1:25, which see.
church. App-186.
in. Greek. kata. App-104.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Phm 1:2. , to Apphia) the wife of Philemon, who had something to do with the business of Onesimus.- , thy house) viz. Philemons.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Philemon 1:2
and to Apphia our sister,-It is safe to conclude from the connection of the names that Apphia was the wife of Philemon.
and to Archippus our fellow-soldier,-It is not known who he was, but it is supposed that as a member of his household he was a son.
and to the church in thy house:-A church met in Philemons house, as they frequently met in the houses of prominent and active members in the church. [We have here a glimpse of a quiet Christian home in the early days of the church. The gospel makes the most solid progress when the family is converted and consecrated to Christ. The gospel impresses upon the sacred duty of showing piety at home. As the joining of Timothys name in giving the salutation did not prevent the Epistle from being Pauls only, so the church in the house in receiving the salutation does prevent its being addressed only to Philemon and his family, who were, like himself, interested in Onesimus.]
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Archippus: Col 4:17
our fellowsoldier: Phi 2:25, 2Ti 2:3, 2Ti 2:4
the church: Rom 16:5, 1Co 16:19, Col 4:15
Reciprocal: Gen 49:8 – thy hand Mat 18:20 – two Mat 20:21 – Grant Act 28:23 – there came Phm 1:24 – my fellowlabourers 3Jo 1:8 – fellowhelpers
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Phm 1:2. Apphia is described by Thayer merely as “name of a woman.” Some commentators say she was the wife of Philemon and that Archippus was his son. The suggestion is given by the next phrase, church in thy house. In early times the congregations in some places were small, and had their services in the homes of the brethren. Or, the whole congregation may have consisted of the members of one household, if there were as many as two disciples in it (Mat 18:20). If Philemon’s wife and son were disciples, they might well have composed the church in his house.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Phm 1:2. And Archippus, It is clear from the way in which Archippus is addressed (Col 4:17) that he occupied some ministerial office in the Colossian church. The word used there to describe his duty is the same that is employed concerning Timothy (2Ti 4:5). As he is mentioned before the general congregation, he may have been one of the deacons of the Colossian church, and perhaps connected with the family of Philemon.
our fellow-soldier. This word likewise speaks of the services undertaken by Archippus for the Christian Church. Though he only employs this word once again, St. Paul is extremely fond of the figure of a battle in describing the labours of himself and his fellow-preachers of the Gospel (2Co 10:4; 1Ti 1:18).
and to the church in thy house. The first congregations were formed so speedily after the preaching of the apostles at Pentecost, that there was no possibility of making provision for their accommodation in special buildings. Besides this, the general poverty of the first Christians was a hindrance, and it would, in the early days of the Church, have been somewhat unsafe to give too much prominence to their meetings. Accordingly, we find the Christians of Jerusalem assembled in the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark (Act 12:12); and the example of Jerusalem was followed in other places, and the richer members of the congregations provided rooms in their own homes for the religious meetings of their brethren. As this duty was discharged towards the church at Coloss by Philemon, we may conclude that be was a person of some wealth. St. Paul was led to include the congregation in his salutation, because the runaway slave, who was now returning, came back as a Christian convert, and therefore one with a claim on the sympathy of the whole Church. He thus makes them a party with himself in the petition which he is about to make to Philemon.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Verse 2
Apphia and Archippus may have been the wife and son of Philemon. Archippus is mentioned in the Colossians 4:17, which was sent at the same time with this.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
Apphia was evidently a family member, probably Philemon’s wife. Paul may have addressed her specifically because normally the wife had day-to-day responsibility for the household slaves. [Note: Rupprecht, p. 458.]
Archippus may have been their son [Note: Jacobus J. Müller, The Epistles of Paul to the Philippians and to Philemon, p. 174.] , or perhaps Philemon’s physical brother, or his friend. He seems to have been old enough to be responsible for some kind of ministry (Col 4:17). He may very well have been the leading man in the church that met in Philemon’s house. Paul also addressed the letter to the other Christians meeting with Philemon’s family in their Colossian home (Col 4:17).
"Christian congregations were dependent upon the hospitality of wealthy members who could furnish their own houses for this purpose. This note then contains an indication of the social status of Philemon. In a large city there would be several such assemblies. (Cf. Rom 16:5; Rom 16:10-11; Rom 16:14-15.) Whether the church at Colossae had more than one place of assembly is not known. Probably they did." [Note: Hiebert, p. 94.]