Philemon 1:2

Modern

…to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house:

Traditional

And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

Literal

…and to Apphia the sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church at your house:

Latin

…et Appiæ sorori carissimæ, et Archippo commilitoni nostro, et ecclesiæ, quæ in domo tua est.

Greek

English

…to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house:

This letter is not just for Philemon, it is also for his family and the church that met in their home.
Apphia was probably Philemon’s wife.
our fellow soldier: This refers to a servant of Christ who is in a spiritual battle and must be ready to fight against challenges (Ephesians 6:10–17).
Archippus was probably Philemon’s son (also mentioned in Colossians 4:17).
the church that meets in your house: This confirms that some early Christians would gather in private homes for worship (see also Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15).

The apostle Paul usually begins his letters with a brief introduction. He then offers greetings and calls for grace and peace.

Theme notes and profiles

Philippians 2:25
But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs.
Colossians 4:17
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
Romans 16:5
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.
Colossians 4:15
Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house.
2 Timothy 2:3–4
Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 16:19
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.

Apphia: Recipient of Paul's letter to Philemon Archippus: Fellow soldier and minister in Colossae