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Philemon 1:23

Philemon 1:23 in Multiple Translations

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings,

There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, saluteth thee;

Epaphras, my brother-prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his love;

Epaphras who is here in prison with me sends his greetings,

There salute thee Epaphras my felowe prisoner in Christ Iesus,

Salute thee doth Epaphras, (my fellow-captive in Christ Jesus,)

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,

There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus;

There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;

Epaphras, who is suffering with me in prison because of his serving Christ Jesus, ◄sends his greetings to you/wants you to know that he is thinking fondly about you►.

Do you remember Epafras? He belongs to Jesus Christ, so they put him in jail here with me. He says hello to you.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Philemon 1:23

BAB
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Philemon 1:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ασπαζονται σε επαφρας ο συναιχμαλωτος μου εν χριστω ιησου
ασπαζονται aspazomai G782 to pay respects to Verb-PNI-3P
σε su G4771 you Pron-2AS
επαφρας Epaphras G1889 Epaphras Noun-NSM
ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM
συναιχμαλωτος sunaichmalōtos G4869 fellow prisoner Adj-NSM
μου egō G1473 I/we Pron-1GS
εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep
χριστω Christos G5547 Christ Noun-DSM
ιησου Iēsous G2424 Joshua Noun-DSM
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Philemon 1:23

ασπαζονται aspazomai G782 "to pay respects to" Verb-PNI-3P
To pay respects to means to greet or welcome someone, like in Matthew 5:47 or Romans 16:16. It involves showing respect or affection to someone. This word is about greeting or welcoming others.
Definition: ἀσπάζομαι depon., [in LXX: Eze.18:7, Jdg.18:15 (שָׁלוֹם שָׁאַל), Est.5:2, 1Ma.7:29, al. ;] to welcome, greet, salute: with accusative of person(s), Mat.5:47, Mrk.9:15, Act.21:7, al.; id. before ἐν φιλήματι, Rom.16:16, 1Co.16:20, 2Co.13:12, 1Th.5:26, 1Pe.5:14; τ. ἐκκλησίαν (Deiss., BS, 257), Act.18:22; as term. tech. for conveying greetings at the end of a letter (MM, see word), used by an amanuensis (Milligan, NTD, 23), Rom.16:22 (on the aoristic Pres., here and elsewhere, see M, Pr., 119; Bl., § 56, 4); κατήντησαν . . . ἀσπασάμενοι (on this constr., see El., § 58, 4; M, Pr., 132, 238), Act.25:13 (cf. ἀπ-ἀπ-ασπάζομαι).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 49 NT verses. KJV: embrace, greet, salute, take leave See also: 1 Corinthians 16:19; Luke 10:4; 1 Peter 5:13.
σε su G4771 "you" Pron-2AS
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
επαφρας Epaphras G1889 "Epaphras" Noun-NSM
Epaphras was a Christian who worked with Paul, mentioned in Colossians 1:7 and Philemon 1:23. He was a fellow servant of the Lord.
Definition: Ἐπαφρᾶς, -ᾶ (B1., § 7, 4), ὁ, Epaphras: Col.1:7 4:12, Phm 23.*† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: Epaphras See also: Colossians 1:7; Colossians 4:12; Philemon 1:23.
ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
συναιχμαλωτος sunaichmalōtos G4869 "fellow prisoner" Adj-NSM
A fellow prisoner, someone who is a captive along with others, as seen in Romans 16:7 and Colossians 4:10. This word describes a person who is imprisoned together with others. It's used to describe the companions of Paul in prison.
Definition: συν-αιχμάλωτος, -ου, ὁ a fellow prisoner (prop., of a captive in war, see Lft., Col., 234): Rom.16:7, Col.4:10, Phm 23.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: fellowprisoner See also: Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:23; Romans 16:7.
μου egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1GS
This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.
Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.
εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep
This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.
Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.
χριστω Christos G5547 "Christ" Noun-DSM
Christ means anointed, referring to Jesus as the Messiah, as seen in Luke 2:11 and John 1:41.
Definition: χριστός (Χρ-), -ή, -όν (χρίω), [in LXX for מָשִׁיחַ and cogn. forms ;] __1. 1. as adj., __(a) of things, anointing, to be used as ointment (Æsch., Eur., al.; τ. ἔλαιον τὸ χ., Lev.21:10); __(b) of persons, anointed (ὁ ἰερεὺς ὁ χ., Lev.4:5; οἱ χ. ἰευρεῖς, 2Ma.1:10): ὁ χ. τοῦ κυρίου or Θεοῦ (1Ki.2:10, Psa.2:2, al.), of the Messiah (Aram., מְשִׁיחָא; cf. Dalman, Words, 289 ff.), Luk.2:11, 26 Jhn.1:41, Act.2:36 4:26, al. __2. As subst., ὁ Χριστός, the Messiah, the Christ: Mat.2:4, Mrk.8:29, Luk.2:11, Jhn.1:20, Act.2:31, Rom.7:4, al.; Ἰησοῦς, Mrk.1:1, Jhn.1:17, Act.2:38, al.; Χ. Ἰησοῦς, Mat.1:18, WH, mg. Act.5:42, Rom.6:3, al.; Χ. κύριος, Luk.2:11; Ἰησοῦς Χ. ὁ κύριος, Act.15:26, Rom.1:7, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 525 NT verses. KJV: Christ See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.
ιησου Iēsous G2424 "Joshua" Noun-DSM
Jesus is the Greek name for Joshua, which means God is salvation. It is used to refer to Jesus Christ, the son of God, as well as other Israelites with the same name. The name Jesus appears over 900 times in the New Testament.
Definition: Ἰωσή, see: Ἰωσῆς - -ῆ (Rec. -ή Luk.3:29; AV, Jose; see: Ἰησοῦς, 3), and -ῆτος (Mk, ll with), ὁ, Joses; __1. brother of our Lord: Mrk.6:3, Mat.13:55 (Rec., see: Ἰωσήφ). __2. Son of Mary: Mat.27:56 (-σήφ), WH, txt), Mrk.15:40, 47 __3. see: Βαρνάβας.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 932 NT verses. KJV: Jesus See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.

Study Notes — Philemon 1:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Colossians 1:7 You learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,
2 Romans 16:7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.
3 Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God.
4 Colossians 4:10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him.

Philemon 1:23 Summary

In this verse, we see that Epaphras, a fellow minister and prisoner with Paul, is sending greetings to Philemon. This shows us the importance of community and fellowship among believers, as described in Hebrews 13:24 and Acts 2:42-47. Even though Epaphras is in prison, he is still able to encourage and support others in their faith, which is a powerful example for us today, as seen in Philippians 1:12-14. As we reflect on this verse, we can be reminded of the value of standing with others who are suffering for their faith, and of the importance of faithfulness and perseverance in our own walk with the Lord, as encouraged in Romans 8:28 and 2 Thessalonians 1:4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Epaphras and why is he a fellow prisoner with Paul?

Epaphras is a minister of the church in Colossae, as mentioned in Colossians 1:7 and 4:12-13, and he is a fellow prisoner with Paul, likely because of his faith and ministry, similar to Paul's situation described in Philippians 1:12-14 and Ephesians 6:20.

What does it mean to be a fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus?

Being a fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus means that Epaphras and Paul are both suffering for their faith, as described in Philippians 1:29, and are united in their commitment to the gospel, as seen in Romans 8:17 and 2 Timothy 2:8-10.

How does Epaphras' greeting relate to the rest of the letter to Philemon?

Epaphras' greeting, along with the greetings from Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke in Philemon 1:24, serves as a reminder of the community and fellowship that exists among believers, as described in Hebrews 13:24, and sets the tone for Paul's appeal to Philemon in the rest of the letter, particularly in Philemon 1:8-21.

What can we learn from Epaphras' example as a minister and fellow prisoner?

Epaphras' example teaches us about the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in ministry, as seen in 2 Timothy 4:5 and Acts 20:24, and the value of standing with others who are suffering for their faith, as described in Galatians 6:2 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be a fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, and how can I identify with those who are suffering for their faith?
  2. How can I, like Epaphras, be a faithful minister and servant of the Lord, even in difficult circumstances, as described in 2 Corinthians 4:7-12?
  3. What role does community and fellowship play in the life of a believer, and how can I cultivate these relationships in my own life, as encouraged in Acts 2:42-47 and Hebrews 10:24-25?
  4. How can I, like Paul, confidently appeal to others to act in love and kindness towards those in need, as seen in Philemon 1:8-21 and Galatians 6:2?
  5. What can I learn from Epaphras' example about the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in my own walk with the Lord, as described in Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-4?

Gill's Exposition on Philemon 1:23

There salute thee Epaphras,.... Who was a Colossian, and minister of the church at Colosse, and so might be well known to Philemon, who seems to have been of the same place and church; see Colossians

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Philemon 1:23

There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; The same persons send salutations in the accompanying letter, except that 'Jesus Justus' is not mentioned here. Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Philemon 1:23

We read of this Epaphras, , where he is called Paul’ s fellow servant, and a faithful minister of Christ: he was with Paul at Rome, , but there is no mention of him as a prisoner; but now he was a fellow prisoner with Paul, either in the same place, or upon the same account.

Trapp's Commentary on Philemon 1:23

23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; Ver. 23. Epaphras my fellowprisoner] Clapped up, belike, for visiting and countenancing St Paul, to whom he was sent by the Colossians with relief, while he was prisoner at Rome. The ecclesiastical history telleth us of one Phileas a martyr, who going to execution, seemed as one deaf at the persuasions and blind at the tears of his friends, moving him to spare himself. And when one Philoramus defending him said, Quomode potest terrenis lachrymis flecti, cuius oculi caelestem gloriam contuentur? How can he be moved with earthly tears, who hath his eyes full fed with heavenly glory? he also was taken in, and both presently beheaded.

Ellicott's Commentary on Philemon 1:23

Philemon 1:21-25 contain the conclusion of the Epistle—hope to visit Philemon soon, salutation, and blessing. (21) Confidence in thy obedience.—It is curious to notice how, in this conclusion, St. Paul seems to glide, as it were insensibly, out of the tone of entreaty as to an equal, into the authority of a superior. The word “obedience” is found in 2 Corinthians 7:15, there in connection with “fear and trembling.” He preferred to appeal to Philemon’s love; he knew that in any case he could rely on his deference. Do more than I say.—This can hardly refer to anything except the manumission of Onesimus, and possibly his being sent back again to St. Paul. Exactly in this way Christianity was to work out the release of the slave—not by command, but by free and natural inference from its emphatic declaration of his true brotherhood in Christ. (22) A lodging.—The word often signifies “hospitality” generally, which Philemon might naturally offer in his own house, but which St. Paul would not suggest or ask. I shall be given unto you.—Literally, as a favour from supreme authority. Comp. the technical and forensic use of the word in Acts 3:14; Acts 25:11 : for good in one case, in the other for evil. If he was so “granted,” it would be by Cæsar instrumentally, by God’s overruling will ultimately. The passage, like Philippians 2:24, but even more definitely, expresses St. Paul’s expectation of a release which might enable him to visit the East again. It is curious that there is no similar allusion in the Colossian Epistle, sent with this. (23) My fellowprisoner.—Comp. Colossians 4:10, and see Note there. The salutations here correspond exactly in substance (though more condensed in style) with that passage, except that “Jesus, called Justus” (probably unknown to Philemon) is here omitted. (25) The grace . . .—This form of St. Paul’s usual blessing is found also in Galatians 6:18; Philippians 4:23; 2 Timothy 4:22. We notice by the word “your” that, like the opening salutation, it is addressed to all Philemon’s family and “the church in his house.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Philemon 1:23

Verse 23. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner] Epaphras was a Colossian, as we learn from Colossians 4:12: Epaphras, who is one of you. But there is no account there of his being in prison, though the not mentioning of it does not necessarily imply that he was not. Some time or other he had suffered imprisonment for the truth of the Gospel; and on that account St. Paul might, in a general way, call him his fellow prisoner.

Cambridge Bible on Philemon 1:23

23–25. Salutations23. There salute thee] Cp. Colossians 4:10.Epaphras] Cp. Colossians 1:7, and note.my fellowprisoner] Cp. Colossians 4:10, and note. This passage is in favour of explaining the term there also to mean “a visitor who is so much with me as to be, as it were, in prison too.”

Barnes' Notes on Philemon 1:23

There salute thee Epaphras - The same persons who are here mentioned as greeting Philemon, are mentioned in the close of the Epistle to the Colossians - furnishing a high degree of evidence that Philemon resided at Colosse.

Whedon's Commentary on Philemon 1:23

23. Epaphras—Abbreviated form of Epaphroditus, as Luke of Lucanus. See our life of Luke, vol. ii, p. 11. Perhaps the same person as mentioned Philippians 2:25; Philippians 4:18.

Sermons on Philemon 1:23

SermonDescription
Anton Bosch The Gospel in Philemon by Anton Bosch In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Philemon in the Bible. The book tells the story of Philemon, a leader in the church of Colossi, who owned slaves as a Roman citiz
Watchman Nee The Apostles by Watchman Nee Watchman Nee emphasizes that God is a God of works, who sends His servants, particularly the apostles, to fulfill His divine purpose. He explains that Jesus Christ is the first Apo
J. Vernon McGee Guidelines for the Understanding of the Scriptues: Introduction by J. Vernon McGee John Brown explains that 'prosanatithemi' signifies 'to impose a new burden' or 'to take counsel or advice of a person,' emphasizing the act of consulting with others for guidance.
John Henry Jowett The Disciple's Theme by John Henry Jowett John Henry Jowett preaches about the profound humility and absolute confidence of the Apostle Paul in proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ. The Apostle's sense of unworthi
Joseph Balsan Lesser Known Characters 03 Epaphras-Man of Prayer by Joseph Balsan In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of standing in one's place and being committed to prayer. He uses the story of Gideon and his army to illustrate this point. G
Peter Brandon Prevailing Prayer by Peter Brandon Peter Brandon emphasizes the significance of prevailing prayer, drawing from Colossians 4:12, where Epaphras is described as fervently laboring in prayer for the believers. He illu
Samuel Logan Brengle Holiness: What It Is Not, and What It Is by Samuel Logan Brengle Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes that holiness is often misunderstood; it is not a constant state of joy, freedom from temptation, infirmities, or afflictions. Instead, holiness is

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