Philemon 1:2
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συστρατιώτῃ
fellowsoldier
G4961
συστρατιώτῃ
fellowsoldier
Strong's:
G4961
Word #:
8 of 15
a co-campaigner, i.e., (figuratively) an associate in christian toil
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατ'
in
G2596
κατ'
in
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
12 of 15
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Cross References
Colossians 4:17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.Romans 16:5Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.Philippians 2:25Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.Colossians 4:15Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.1 Corinthians 16:19The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Historical Context
First-century Christianity lacked dedicated buildings until the third century. Believers met in homes of wealthier members (Romans 16:5, 1 Corinthians 16:19, Colossians 4:15). These οἶκος ἐκκλησίαι (oikos ekklēsiai, house churches) typically numbered 30-50 people—the size Philemon's house could accommodate. The domestic setting made Onesimus's restoration both personal (family) and public (church) matter.
Questions for Reflection
- Is your home a place of gospel hospitality hosting believers for worship, fellowship, and ministry?
- How do you view Christian ministry—as peaceful service or as spiritual warfare requiring "fellow soldiers"?
- What role does the church community play in mediating personal conflicts and holding individuals accountable to gospel living?
Analysis & Commentary
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier—Ἀπφία (Apphia, likely Philemon's wife) is ἀδελφή (adelphē, sister). Ἄρχιππος (Archippos, Archippus—possibly their son or local pastor) is συστρατιώτης (systratiōtēs, fellow soldier), military metaphor for gospel ministry (2 Timothy 2:3-4, Philippians 2:25). Colossians 4:17 mentions Archippus's ministry requiring exhortation to fulfill. Paul widens the appeal: not just Philemon privately but his household publicly.
And to the church in thy house (καὶ τῇ κατ᾽ οἶκόν σου ἐκκλησίᾳ, kai tē kat oikon sou ekklēsia)—the congregation meeting in Philemon's home becomes audience and witnesses. Paul's strategy: public letter makes private forgiveness a community issue, applying gospel pressure. Receiving Onesimus as brother isn't Philemon's personal preference but Christian obligation before the watching church. Early house churches meant no separation between private property and public ministry.