Greek Word Reference — Philemon 1:24
Mark was a Christian and possibly the writer of the Gospel of Mark. He is mentioned in Acts, Colossians, and other letters.
Definition: Μάρκος, -ου, ὁ, Mark: Mk., title., Act.12:12, 25 15:37, 39, Col.4:10, 2Ti.4:11, Phm 24, 1Pe.5:13 (see Swete, Mk., Intr., xiii ff.; DB, iii, 245 ff).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: Marcus, Mark See also: 1 Peter 5:13; Acts 15:37; Philemon 1:24.
Aristarchus was a Macedonian Christian who traveled with Paul, as seen in Acts 19:29 and 20:4. He was a companion of the apostle. Aristarchus is also mentioned in Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 24.
Definition: Ἀρίσταρχος, -ου, ὁ (ἄριστος, ἀρχός; i.e. best-ruling) Aristarchus: Act.19:29 20:4 27:2, Col.4:10, Phm 24 (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: Aristarchus See also: Acts 19:29; Acts 27:2; Philemon 1:24.
Demas was a Christian who worked with St. Paul, mentioned in Colossians, Philemon, and 2 Timothy. He was a companion of Paul, but later abandoned him. Demas is an example of someone who turned away from their faith.
Definition: Δημᾶς, ὁ (perh. contracted from Δημήτριος), Demas, a companion of St. Paul: Col.4:14, Phm 24, 2Ti.4:10.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: Demas See also: 2 Timothy 4:10; Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24.
Luke was a Christian and the author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts, mentioned in Colossians 4:14 and 2 Timothy 4:11. He was a companion of Paul and a historian of the early church. His writings provide valuable insights into the life of Jesus and the apostles.
Definition: Λουκᾶς, -ᾶ, ὁ (prob. an abbreviation of Λουκανός; see Lft., Col., 240; ICC, Lk., xviii; Bl., § 29; accusative to Ramsay, Exp., Dec., 1912, pp. 502 ff., a by-form of Λούκιος, from Lat. Lucius), Luke: Lk, tit., Col.4:14, 2Ti.4:11, Phm 24.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: Lucas, Luke See also: 2 Timothy 4:11; Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24.
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.
A co-worker is someone who labors or works together with you, like in Romans 16:3 and Philippians 2:25. It's about sharing the workload or responsibility with someone.
Definition: συνεργός, -όν [in LXX: 2Ma.8:7 Mac 14:5 * ;] a fellow-worker: with genitive of person(s), Rom.16:3, 9 16:21, Php.2:25 4:3, 1Th.3:2, Rec., Phm 1 24; θεοῦ (cf. Lft., Notes, 41, 188), 1Co.3:9 (pl.), 1Th.3:2 [WH] R, mg. (R, txt., διάκονον τοῦ θ.; on the original reading, see ICC, in l); τ. χαρᾶς ὑηῶν, 2Co.1:24; τ. ἀληθείᾳ, III Jn 8; before εἰς, 2Co.8:23, Col.4:11.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: companion in labour, (fellow-)helper(-labourer, -worker), labourer together with, workfellow See also: 1 Corinthians 3:9; Philemon 1:1; Romans 16:3.
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.
Context — Additional Greetings
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
2 Timothy 4:10–11 |
because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry. |
| 2 |
Colossians 4:14 |
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings. |
| 3 |
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. |
| 4 |
Acts 19:29 |
Soon the whole city was in disarray. They rushed together into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. |
| 5 |
Acts 15:37–39 |
Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark. But Paul thought it best not to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, |
| 6 |
Acts 12:12 |
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. |
| 7 |
Acts 12:25 |
When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, bringing with them John, also called Mark. |
| 8 |
Philemon 1:1–2 |
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house: |
| 9 |
Acts 27:2 |
We boarded an Adramyttian ship about to sail for ports along the coast of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us. |
| 10 |
Philippians 4:3 |
Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have labored with me for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. |
Philemon 1:24 Summary
[This verse tells us about some of the people who were helping the Apostle Paul with his work, including Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke. They were like a team, working together to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, as we see in other parts of the Bible like Acts 13:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 3:5-9. Just like how these individuals were important to Paul's ministry, we are all important to the work of the Lord, and we can support each other in our own unique ways, as encouraged in Galatians 6:2 and Hebrews 10:24-25. By working together and caring for one another, we can build each other up and fulfill our calling as followers of Jesus, as seen in Ephesians 4:1-16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the fellow workers mentioned in Philemon 1:24?
The fellow workers mentioned are Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, who were likely assisting the Apostle Paul in his ministry, as seen in other passages like Colossians 4:7-14 and 2 Timothy 4:11.
What is the significance of these individuals being mentioned by name?
By mentioning them by name, Paul is expressing his appreciation for their support and partnership in the gospel, as he also does in other letters like Romans 16:1-16 and 2 Corinthians 1:19.
Is Demas still a faithful follower of Jesus, given his mention here?
At the time of writing, Demas is included as a fellow worker, but later, in 2 Timothy 4:10, it is noted that Demas has deserted Paul, having loved this present world, which highlights the dangers of worldly temptation as warned in 1 John 2:15-17.
How does the mention of these fellow workers relate to Philemon's situation?
The mention of these fellow workers serves as a reminder to Philemon of the broader community of believers and the importance of unity and cooperation in the body of Christ, as emphasized in Ephesians 4:1-16 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be a 'fellow worker' in the Lord's service, and how can I embody this in my own life?
- How do the relationships and partnerships mentioned in this verse reflect the value of community in the Christian life?
- In what ways can I, like Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, support and assist others in their ministry and service to the Lord?
- What lessons can be learned from the example of Demas, who is mentioned here as a fellow worker but later deserted Paul, about the dangers of worldly temptation and the importance of remaining faithful?
Gill's Exposition on Philemon 1:24
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas,.... Marcus was Barnabas's sister's son, the son of that Mary, in whose house the church met, and prayed for Peter when in prison; whose name was John Mark, whom
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Philemon 1:24
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Philemon 1:24
All ministers of the gospel: they are also named, ,12,14: they were all at this time at Rome with Paul: see ,25 15:37,39 19:29 20:4 27:2 .
Trapp's Commentary on Philemon 1:24
24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. Ver. 24. Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas] Here Demas was in good credit with the apostle, but soon after fell away; like as glass, and some baser metals, shine brightest in the fire when nearest of all to melting, or as the candle giveth a great blaze when going out with a stench. Hypocrites have their non-ultra when the godly man’ s motto is (as was Charles V’ s) Ulterius, Further yet, on, on.
Ellicott's Commentary on Philemon 1:24
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 1:24
Verse 24. Marcus, Aristarchus, c.] These were all acquaintances of Philemon, and probably Colossians and may be all considered as joining here with St. Paul in his request for Onesimus. Some think that Marcus was either the evangelist, or John Mark, the nephew of Barnabas, Acts 12:12; Acts 12:25. Aristarchus was probably the same with him mentioned Acts 19:29; Acts 20:4; Acts 27:2. See Colossians 4:10. Demas] Is supposed to be the same who continued in his attachment to Paul till his last imprisonment at Rome; after which he left him for what is supposed to have been the love of the world, 2 Timothy 4:10; but see the note. Lucas] Is supposed to be Luke the evangelist, and author of the Acts of the Apostles. On these suppositions little confidence can be placed: they may be correct; they may be otherwise.
Cambridge Bible on Philemon 1:24
24. Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas] Cp. Colossians 4:10; Colossians 4:14, and notes.This group of names (with the names of Archippus, Philemon 1:2 above, and Onesimus, Philemon 1:10) links this Epistle to that to Colossæ, in time and place of writing, and in destination.—See Paley’s acute remarks (Horœ Paulinœ, ch. 14) on the subtle tokens of independence in the two lists and so of literary genuineness. See also Salmon, Introd. to N. T., pp. 467. 468.my fellowlabourers] A favourite word with St Paul; see above, Philemon 1:1.Demas stands here among the faithful. But see on Colossians 4:14.
Barnes' Notes on Philemon 1:24
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, and Lucas - see the notes at the Epistle to the Colossians, Colossians 4:10, Colossians 4:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Philemon 1:24
24. Marcus—The evangelist. See his life, prefixed to his gospel in our vol. 1.Aristarchus—Note Acts 19:29. Demas—Abbreviated form of Demetrius. See notes Colossians 4:14 and 2 Timothy 4:10. Lucas—Luke the evangelist.
Sermons on Philemon 1:24
| Sermon | Description |
|
Gospel of Luke I
by Stephen Kaung
|
In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that there is only one gospel, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although there are four evangelists who present the gospel in the Bible, they are |
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Do People Get You Down?
by Jim Cymbala
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of people turning away from their faith and the dangers of being influenced by the world. He uses the example of Demis, a trusted |
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Take Heed to Yourselves
by Bill McLeod
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of personal preparation before delivering a message. He shares that he spends two hours preparing for a sermon, with the majo |
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Many Voices in the World
by Hattie Hammond
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the voice of the world and how it tries to appeal to us through various legitimate things in our lives. The voice of the world is cleverly di |
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Security and God's Purposes
by K.P. Yohannan
|
In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding security in the Lord Jesus Christ. He highlights the need to recognize that our battle is not against flesh and blo |
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Making a Real Soldier
by Robert B. Thompson
|
In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fully committing oneself to serving God. He shares a personal experience of realizing that the people in the church were no |
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The House of God Lies in Ruin - Gods Recovery Plan Part 2
by Phil Beach Jr.
|
Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the urgent need for spiritual awakening in the church, highlighting that the house of God lies in ruin due to complacency and a desire for popularity. He |