Philippians 4:22
All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
Original Language Analysis
ἀσπάζονται
salute
G782
ἀσπάζονται
salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
1 of 12
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅγιοι
the saints
G40
ἅγιοι
the saints
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
5 of 12
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
μάλιστα
chiefly
G3122
μάλιστα
chiefly
Strong's:
G3122
Word #:
6 of 12
(adverbially) most (in the greatest degree) or particularly
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
they that are of
G1537
ἐκ
they that are of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 12
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Caesar's household numbered thousands—slaves and freedmen administering empire from Rome. Inscriptions identify Christians among them (e.g., Claudia, Pudens in Rome). Paul's house arrest gave access to rotating guards and administrative staff, enabling evangelism (1:13). That Caesar's household Christians greet Philippian church shows gospel's social reversal: powerless prisoners evangelize empire's heart; slaves confess true King. This is political subversion: Rome's personnel acknowledge Jesus (not Caesar) as Lord.
Questions for Reflection
- What does gospel penetration of 'Caesar's household' teach about God's sovereignty and mission strategy?
- How do you proclaim Jesus's lordship in contexts where Caesar (state, employer, culture) claims ultimate authority?
- What 'unlikely' contexts might God be calling you to bear witness within?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household (ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς πάντες οἱ ἅγιοι, μάλιστα δὲ οἱ ἐκ τῆς Καίσαρος οἰκίας, aspazontai hymas pantes hoi hagioi, malista de hoi ek tēs Kaisaros oikias)—Pantes hoi hagioi ("all the saints")—Roman church sends greetings. Malista de ("especially, chiefly")—highlighting particular group. Hoi ek tēs Kaisaros oikias ("those from Caesar's household")—oikia ("household") includes slaves, freedmen, and staff managing imperial affairs, not necessarily Caesar's family. This fulfills 1:13—Paul's bonds became known throughout Caesar's household, resulting in conversions. Gospel penetrated Rome's power center. This is stunning: Caesar's own staff confess Jesus as Lord, subverting imperial cult.