Philemon 1:24
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Colossians 4:14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.Colossians 4:10Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)Acts 19:29And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.Acts 12:12And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.Acts 12:25And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.Acts 27:2And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
Historical Context
These men represent Paul's missionary team during imprisonment. Luke ("beloved physician," Colossians 4:14) authored Luke-Acts. Mark wrote the Second Gospel. Aristarchus faced mob violence in Ephesus (Acts 19:29) and shipwreck en route to Rome (Acts 27:2). Their presence during Paul's bonds provided comfort, assistance, and witness. The mixed outcomes (Mark restored, Demas apostatized) remind that present faithfulness doesn't guarantee future perseverance—only God's grace sustains.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are your "fellow workers" in gospel ministry, and how do you acknowledge and encourage them?
- How do you respond when co-workers desert or fail—with permanent rejection or hopeful restoration like Paul toward Mark?
- What can Demas's apostasy teach about the dangers of "loving this present world" even while serving faithfully?
Analysis & Commentary
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers—Μᾶρκος (Markos, Mark/John Mark, Barnabas's cousin and Gospel author), Ἀρίσταρχος (Aristarchos, Aristarchus, Thessalonian who accompanied Paul, Acts 19:29, 20:4, 27:2), Δημᾶς (Demas, Demas who later deserted Paul, 2 Timothy 4:10), Λουκᾶς (Loukas, Luke the physician and historian). οἱ συνεργοί μου (hoi synergoi mou, my co-workers)—συνεργός (synergos, fellow worker/co-laborer) emphasizes shared ministry.
The list poignantly includes Demas, later called a deserter (2 Timothy 4:10: "Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world"). At Philemon's writing, Demas remained faithful; future apostasy demonstrates perseverance isn't guaranteed. Mark's inclusion also significant—he'd earlier deserted Paul (Acts 15:37-39), causing Paul-Barnabas split. By Philemon's writing, Mark is restored, "profitable for ministry" (2 Timothy 4:11). This parallels Onesimus's trajectory: from useless deserter to useful minister.