What does Philemon 1:2 mean?

And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Philemon 1:2

Explanation

Philemon 1:2 is part of the salutation in a brief personal letter attributed to the apostle Paul. The verse is part of an address to three individuals: Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus, as well as to the church that meets in Philemon’s home. By mentioning Apphia and Archippus, Paul is recognizing their roles within the Christian community and perhaps their familial relationship with Philemon, though the exact nature of these relationships is not detailed in the text.

Philemon is the principal addressee of the letter. Apphia is thought to be a prominent female member of the church, possibly Philemon’s wife. Archippus is referred to as a “fellowsoldier,” which suggests that he is a colleague of Paul in Christian ministry and may imply that he has a leadership role in the church. The phrase “the church in thy house” recognizes the early Christian practice where believers gathered in private homes for worship and fellowship, as larger dedicated church buildings were not yet common.

Historical Context

During the time of Paul, Christianity had not yet established dedicated buildings for worship; instead, believers met in private homes. This private home setting was the center of early Christian community life. Philemon’s house would have been such a place of gathering for Christians, indicative of his possible wealth and status within the community.

The letter to Philemon, from which this verse comes, is dated to roughly around 60 A.D. and was written while Paul was in prison, possibly in Rome. The letter deals with the issue of an escaped slave named Onesimus who had become a Christian and whom Paul is sending back to Philemon with the letter.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, the address to Apphia and Archippus alongside Philemon acknowledges their importance in the early church. Apphia’s mention is of particular theological interest, as her presence indicates the active role of women in the early church. By calling Archippus a “fellowsoldier,” Paul uses a military metaphor to describe Christian ministry, which aligns with other New Testament passages that describe Christian life in terms of a spiritual battle.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a reminder that Christianity began in intimate, home-based communities, suggesting the importance of hospitality and fellowship within one’s household. It encourages the inclusion and recognition of various members and their contributions to the faith community. The verse also indicates a sense of unity and equality among believers, regardless of their role or gender.

Cross-References

• Romans 16:5: “Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.”
• Colossians 4:17: “And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.”
• 2 Timothy 2:3: “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

Language Study

The original Greek language of this verse yields a few interesting points:

• Apphia (Ἀπφίᾳ): Likely a woman of status, this is the only occurrence of her name in the New Testament.
• Archippus (Ἀρχίππῳ): His name means “master of the horse,” which may indicate a family of some wealth and status.
• Fellowsoldier (συστρατιώτῃ): This is a compound word that describes someone who serves alongside another in battle, metaphorically used for Christian ministry.
• Church (ἐκκλησίᾳ): The term for church here means a gathering or assembly, which in the Christian context refers to the community of believers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Greco-Roman culture, private homes often served as places for philosophical teaching and social gatherings. The early Christian practice of house churches is somewhat analogous to this cultural norm, yet distinctly different in purpose and function. Unlike the surrounding pagan practices, these gatherings were focused on worship of a single deity, communal support, and the spread of the Christian message.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not particularly elucidate this verse. However, archaeology provides context and supports the historical practice of house churches. Excavations have uncovered early Christian meeting places that were, in fact, private homes, adding credibility to the Biblical accounts of house churches.

Commentaries

• John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible notes that since Apphia is addressed singularly rather than with the rest of the church, she might have been Philemon’s wife and potentially the biological or spiritual sister of Paul, given the familial language often used among Christians.
• Matthew Henry’s Commentary suggests Archippus might have been Philemon’s son and possibly a minister of the Gospel, tasked with specific duties in the church.
• The Pulpit Commentary reflects on the intimacy and personal nature of Paul’s letters and how this particular verse reveals the social structure and interpersonal relationships within the early Christian community. It also infers that mentioning Apphia and Archippus provides a subtle reminder of their responsibilities to receive Onesimus kindly and treat him as a brother in Christ upon his return.