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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Philemon 1:2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house:</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philemon/1-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/57_Phm_01_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philemon 1:2 - Greetings from Paul and Timothy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house:" /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/philemon/1-1.htm" title="Philemon 1:1">◄</a> Philemon 1:2 <a href="/philemon/1-3.htm" title="Philemon 1:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/philemon/1.htm">New International Version</a> also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home: <a href="/nlt/philemon/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house. <a href="/esv/philemon/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: <a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house: <a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church at your house: <a href="/kjv/philemon/1.htm">King James Bible</a> And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: <a href="/nkjv/philemon/1.htm">New King James Version</a> to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: <a href="/nasb_/philemon/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: <a href="/nasb/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: <a href="/nasb77/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: <a href="/lsb/philemon/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: <a href="/amp/philemon/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> and to [your wife] Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier [in ministry], and to the church that meets in your house: <a href="/csb/philemon/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your home. <a href="/hcsb/philemon/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your home. <a href="/asv/philemon/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house: <a href="/cev/philemon/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and to the church that meets in your home. It is also to our dear friend Apphia and to Archippus, who serves the Lord as we do. <a href="/erv/philemon/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house: <a href="/gwt/philemon/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> our sister Apphia, our fellow soldier Archippus, and the church that meets in your house. <a href="/gnt/philemon/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> and the church that meets in your house, and our sister Apphia, and our fellow soldier Archippus: <a href="/isv/philemon/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house. <a href="/msb/philemon/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> to Apphia our beloved, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house: <a href="/net/philemon/1.htm">NET Bible</a> to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your house. <a href="/nheb/philemon/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> and to Apphia our sister, to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: <a href="/wbt/philemon/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house: <a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and to our sister Apphia and our comrade Archippus--as well as to the Church in your house. <a href="/web/philemon/1.htm">World English Bible</a> to the beloved Apphia, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the assembly in your house: <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/philemon/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Apphia the beloved, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and the assembly in your house: <a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church at your house: <a href="/ylt/philemon/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Apphia the beloved, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and the assembly in thy house: <a href="/slt/philemon/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And to the dearly beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and the church in thy house:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/philemon/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And to Appia, our dearest sister, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church which is in thy house: <a href="/cpdv/philemon/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> and to Apphia, most beloved sister, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church which is in your house. <a href="/nabre/philemon/1.htm">New American Bible</a> to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church at your house. <a href="/nrsvce/philemon/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/philemon/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And to our beloved Ap’phi-a and Archip’pus our fellow-labourer, and to the congregation in your house: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philemon/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And to Aphia our beloved and to Arkippus our fellow laborer and to the church that is in your house.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/philemon/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> and to our beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church that is in your house: <a href="/godbey/philemon/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> and to sister Apphia, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and the church in your house. <a href="/haweis/philemon/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and to Apphia the beloved, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church at thy house: <a href="/mace/philemon/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> to our beloved Appia, to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in your house, favour and peace be with you, <a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and to our sister Apphia and our comrade Archippus--as well as to the Church in your house. <a href="/worrell/philemon/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> and to Apphia, the sister, and to Archippus, our fellow-soldier, and to the assembly in your house: <a href="/worsley/philemon/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thine house, <a href="/parallel/philemon/1-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BS2bNjCPoic?start=9" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm">Greetings from Paul and Timothy</a> 1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker, 2<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/682.htm" title="682: Apphia (N-DFS) -- Probably of foreign origin; Apphia, a woman of Collosae.">to Apphia</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">our</a> <a href="/greek/79.htm" title="79: adelphē (N-DFS) -- A sister, a woman (fellow-)member of a church, a Christian woman. Fem of adephos; a sister.">sister,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/751.htm" title="751: Archippō (N-DMS) -- Archippus, a Christian of Colossae. From arche and hippos; horse-ruler; Archippus, a Christian.">to Archippus</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">our</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4961.htm" title="4961: systratiōtē (N-DMS) -- A fellow soldier (in the Christian faith). From sun and stratiotes; a co-campaigner, i.e. an associate in Christian toil.">fellow soldier,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsia (N-DFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">church</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kat’ (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">that meets at</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3624.htm" title="3624: oikon (N-AMS) -- A dwelling; by implication, a family.">house:</a> 3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/colossians/4-17.htm">Colossians 4:17</a> Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” <a href="/1_corinthians/16-19.htm">1 Corinthians 16:19</a> The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. <a href="/romans/16-5.htm">Romans 16:5</a> Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my beloved Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. <a href="/2_timothy/4-19.htm">2 Timothy 4:19</a> Greet Prisca and Aquila, as well as the household of Onesiphorus. <a href="/acts/18-26.htm">Acts 18:26</a> And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. <a href="/1_corinthians/16-15.htm">1 Corinthians 16:15</a> You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers, <a href="/colossians/4-15.htm">Colossians 4:15</a> Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house. <a href="/romans/16-3.htm">Romans 16:3-4</a> Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, / who have risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. <a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">1 Timothy 3:15</a> in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. <a href="/acts/12-12.htm">Acts 12:12</a> And when he had realized this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered together and were praying. <a href="/acts/16-40.htm">Acts 16:40</a> After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house to see the brothers and encourage them. Then they left the city. <a href="/1_peter/5-13.htm">1 Peter 5:13</a> The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark. <a href="/2_john/1-10.htm">2 John 1:10</a> If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. <a href="/matthew/18-20.htm">Matthew 18:20</a> For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” <a href="/hebrews/13-24.htm">Hebrews 13:24</a> Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send you greetings.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:Archippus.<a href="/colossians/4-17.htm">Colossians 4:17</a> And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.our fellow-soldier.<a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Philippians 2:25</a> Yet 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.<a href="/2_timothy/2-3.htm">2 Timothy 2:3,4</a> Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ… the church.<a href="/romans/16-5.htm">Romans 16:5</a> Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.<a href="/1_corinthians/16-19.htm">1 Corinthians 16:19</a> The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.<a href="/colossians/4-15.htm">Colossians 4:15</a> Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/colossians/4-17.htm">Archippus</a> <a href="/colossians/4-17.htm">Archip'pus</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-4.htm">Army</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-16.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/philemon/1-1.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/titus/3-10.htm">Church</a> <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Comrade</a> <a href="/philemon/1-1.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Fellowsoldier</a> <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Fellow-Soldier</a> <a href="/titus/2-5.htm">God's</a> <a href="/titus/2-5.htm">Home</a> <a href="/titus/1-8.htm">House</a> <a href="/colossians/4-15.htm">Meets</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-6.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-4.htm">Soldier</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/colossians/4-17.htm">Archippus</a> <a href="/colossians/4-17.htm">Archip'pus</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Army</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-12.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/philemon/1-16.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-12.htm">Church</a> <a href="/philemon/1-17.htm">Comrade</a> <a href="/philemon/1-16.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Fellowsoldier</a> <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Fellow-Soldier</a> <a href="/philemon/1-5.htm">God's</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-8.htm">Home</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-2.htm">House</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-26.htm">Meets</a> <a href="/james/2-15.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/numbers/31-53.htm">Soldier</a><div class="vheading2">Philemon 1</div>1. <a href="/philemon/1-1.htm">Paul rejoices to hear of the faith and love of Philemon, </a> 8. <a href="/philemon/1-8.htm">whom he desires to forgive his servant Onesimus, and lovingly to receive him again.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philemon/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philemon/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/philemon/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>to Apphia our sister Apphia is likely a prominent woman in the Colossian church, possibly Philemon's wife. The term "sister" indicates her status as a fellow believer, emphasizing the familial bond among Christians. In the early church, women often played significant roles in hosting and supporting house churches. This reflects the cultural context where households were central to community life and worship.to Archippus our fellow soldier Archippus is referred to as a "fellow soldier," suggesting he is a committed worker in the ministry, possibly a leader or teacher in the church. This military metaphor highlights the spiritual warfare aspect of Christian ministry. Archippus is also mentioned in <a href="/colossians/4-17.htm">Colossians 4:17</a>, where Paul encourages him to fulfill his ministry, indicating his importance in the early church.and to the church that meets at your house House churches were common in the first-century Christian community due to the lack of formal church buildings. Philemon's home served as a gathering place for believers, illustrating the intimate and communal nature of early Christian worship. This practice is seen throughout the New Testament, such as in <a href="/romans/16-5.htm">Romans 16:5</a> and <a href="/1_corinthians/16-19.htm">1 Corinthians 16:19</a>, where believers met in homes, fostering close-knit communities.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/apphia.htm">Apphia</a> Likely a member of Philemon's household, possibly his wife. She is addressed as "our sister," indicating her role in the early Christian community. 2. <a href="/topical/a/archippus.htm">Archippus</a> Described as "our fellow soldier," suggesting he was a leader or active worker in the church. He is also mentioned in <a href="/colossians/4-17.htm">Colossians 4:17</a>, which implies a significant role in the ministry. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_philemon's_house.htm">The Church in Philemon's House</a> Early Christian communities often met in homes. This reflects the intimate and personal nature of early church gatherings, emphasizing fellowship and shared faith.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_women_in_the_early_church.htm">The Role of Women in the Early Church</a> Apphia's mention signifies the important role women played in the early Christian communities. Women were integral to the ministry and support of the church. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_fellowship.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Fellowship</a> The reference to the church meeting in a house underscores the value of close-knit fellowship and community in spiritual growth and support. <a href="/topical/c/commitment_to_ministry.htm">Commitment to Ministry</a> Archippus is called a "fellow soldier," which implies dedication and perseverance in ministry. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their service to God. <a href="/topical/h/hospitality_as_a_ministry.htm">Hospitality as a Ministry</a> Hosting a church in one's home, as Philemon did, is a form of ministry. Hospitality is a powerful way to serve and build the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philemon_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philemon 1</a> <a href="/q/who_is_archippus_in_the_bible.htm">Who is Archippus in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/is_philemon's_style_unlike_paul's.htm">Philemon 1 - Does the style, language, and brevity of this letter raise doubts about its authenticity compared to Paul's other writings?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_home_church.htm">What defines a home church?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_biblical_basis_for_small_groups.htm">What is the biblical basis for small group ministry?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philemon/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) Apphia.--The name is usually taken to be the Roman name Appia. But the occurrence of such a name in a Graeco-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 Philemon's 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 Philemon's family; the ordinary conjecture makes him his son. The name "fellow-soldier," applied elsewhere only to Epaphroditus (<a href="/philippians/2-25.htm" title="Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.">Philippians 2:25</a>), as the name "soldier of Jesus Christ" to Timothy (<a href="/2_timothy/2-3.htm" title="You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.">2Timothy 2:3</a>), appears to denote ministerial office in Archippus, which agrees with the charge to him in <a href="/colossians/4-18.htm" title=" The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.">Colossians 4:18</a> to "take heed to his ministry and fulfil it."Church in thy house.--See Note on <a href="/colossians/4-15.htm" title=" Salute the brothers which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.">Colossians 4:15</a>. The specially domestic and personal character of the Epistle need not induce any limitation of the phrase to Philemon's own family. As the joining of Timothy's name in giving the salutation did not prevent the Letter from being St. Paul's 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.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philemon/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - Our beloved Apphia. Codices A, D*, E*, F, G, and א (Sinaiticus) read adelphe (sister) for agapete (beloved), and also Jerome, Griesbach, Meyer; which also has been adopted in the Revised Version. The name Appia, or Apphia, is either the Roman Appia Hellenized, which was the conjecture of Grotins (see Introduction), or more probably a native Phrygian name, from Appa or Appha, a term of endearment. The name does not occur elsewhere in Scripture. The word ἀδελφῆ is not unlikely to have been added by way of explanation. St. Paul has used it in five other places, and always in the same sense, viz. <a href="/romans/16-1.htm">Romans 16:1, 15</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/7-15.htm">1 Corinthians 7:15</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/9-5.htm">1 Corinthians 9:5</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/5-2.htm">1 Timothy 5:2</a>. Most commentators, and particularly Chrysostom, Theodoret, and Theophylact, among the ancients, infer that Apphia was the wife of Philemon. Otherwise, why mention her name here? Archippus; comp. <a href="/colossians/4-17.htm">Colossians 4:17</a>, where he is said to have received a διακονία, i.e. a ministry or service, in the Church. This word, when used without a determining genitive, denotes service to others in a general and undefined sense. But more commonly with some limiting word; as διακονία λόγου, office of teaching (<a href="/acts/6-4.htm">Acts 6:4</a>); διακονία τοῦ θανάτου, office or function of death (<a href="/2_corinthians/3-7.htm">2 Corinthians 3:7</a>). The general view is that Archippus was the presbyter who ministered to that congregation which assembled at the house of Philemon, though Ambrose and Jerome, with other commentators ancient and modern, think that he was the bishop. Grotius, however, takes him to have been a deacon. (It is a very precarious inference that he was a son of Philemon and Appia.) Probably he was fulfilling a temporary mission only in Colossae, and that would be the διακονία in the passage cited. Epaphras, a resident in Colossae (<a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Colossians 4:12</a>), is spoken of as having been the founder of the Church there (<a href="/colossians/1-7.htm">Colossians 1:7, 8</a>), and as still being responsible for it (<a href="/colossians/4-13.htm">Colossians 4:13</a>). Primasius calls Epaphras bishop and Archippus deacon; and so Grotius. It may be that these theories err in ascribing too rigid and technical a meaning to the terms of ecclesiastical service at this early stage of their employment. Epaphras was, however, at this time in Rome with St. Paul (<a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Colossians 4:12, 13</a>), and it is possible that Archippus was filling his place temporarily. It will be safer to call him (with Bishop Wordsworth) a presbyter. It is, as we have said, an unsupported idea of some writers ancient and modern (Theod. Mopsuest., Michaelis, Rosenmuller, Olshausen, Lightfoot) that he was the son of Philemon (but see below). Our fellow-soldier; i.e. of himself and St. Timothy, as engaged in the same warfare for Christ (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">1 Corinthians 9:7</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/1-18.htm">1 Timothy 1:18</a>). The same term is applied in <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Philippians 2:25</a> to Epaphroditus, and also the συνεργός of Ver. 1. And to the Church in thy house. Mede (so Chrysostom and Theodoret also) understands this as meaning "and to the whole of thy family" (which is a Christian one) - a suggestion quite worth considering. For a separate letter "to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colossae" (<a href="/colossians/1-2.htm">Colossians 1:2</a>) was brought by the same messengers, and it would seem natural that, in a matter so personal to Philemon, salutations should be confined to his own family. The phrase is used more than once (see <a href="/romans/16-5.htm">Romans 16:5</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/16-19.htm">1 Corinthians 16:19</a>, which seems rather to point the other way; but especially <a href="/colossians/4-15.htm">Colossians 4:15</a>, "Nymphas and the Church which is in his house," which, since it was in Colossae itself, seems almost conclusive for that meaning). The Ecclesia domestica was very familiar in the apostolic times. Theodoret states that the house of Philemon was still pointed out as late as the fifth century. <a href="/commentaries/philemon/1-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>to Apphia Ἀπφίᾳ (Apphia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_682.htm">Strong's 682: </a> Probably of foreign origin; Apphia, a woman of Collosae. our τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. sister, ἀδελφῇ (adelphē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_79.htm">Strong's 79: </a> A sister, a woman (fellow-)member of a church, a Christian woman. Fem of adephos; a sister. to Archippus Ἀρχίππῳ (Archippō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_751.htm">Strong's 751: </a> Archippus, a Christian of Colossae. From arche and hippos; horse-ruler; Archippus, a Christian. our ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. fellow soldier, συστρατιώτῃ (systratiōtē) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4961.htm">Strong's 4961: </a> A fellow soldier (in the Christian faith). From sun and stratiotes; a co-campaigner, i.e. an associate in Christian toil. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. to the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. church ἐκκλησίᾳ (ekklēsia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. [that meets] at κατ’ (kat’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. house: οἶκόν (oikon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3624.htm">Strong's 3624: </a> A dwelling; by implication, a family. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philemon/1-2.htm">Philemon 1:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/philemon/1-2.htm">Philemon 1:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/philemon/1-2.htm">Philemon 1:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/philemon/1-2.htm">Philemon 1:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/philemon/1-2.htm">Philemon 1:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/philemon/1-2.htm">Philemon 1:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philemon/1-2.htm">Philemon 1:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/philemon/1-2.htm">Philemon 1:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/philemon/1-2.htm">Philemon 1:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/philemon/1-2.htm">Philemon 1:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/philemon/1-2.htm">NT Letters: Philemon 1:2 To the beloved Apphia to Archippus our (Phm Phl) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philemon/1-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philemon 1:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philemon/1-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philemon 1:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>