Philemon 1:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you,

NIV: Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings.

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

CSB: Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, and so do

NLT: Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings.

KJV: There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

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

This verse begins the conclusion of Philemon, running through verse 25. Paul includes a greeting from Epaphras, described as Paul's "fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus." Like Paul, Epaphras was jailed for his faith. He was also mentioned twice in Colossians. Colossians 1:7 describes Epaphras as a faithful missionary who brought the gospel to Philemon and others in his city. He brought news about the church in Colossae to Paul. Colossians 4:12 suggests that Epaphras was from Colossae, as well. He was known for his faithful prayers for his fellow Colossian believers.

We are not told in the Bible how or why Epaphras was arrested. However, he would have been in Rome either to share the gospel and/or to assist Paul. Presumably, at some point he was arrested for his Christian activities. Paul commended this work, clearly acknowledging that Epaphras' imprisonment was due to his missionary efforts.

Philemon 1:23–25 closes Paul’s letter to Philemon. After asking Philemon to forgive and free the runaway slave Onesimus, Paul sends greetings from five of his companions: Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke. All of these men are referred to in other scriptures written by Paul. Mark and Luke are the authors of those gospels. According to 2 Timothy 4:10, however, Demas eventually dropped out of his ministry work.

Philemon is a letter from Paul, regarding a runaway slave named Onesimus. Paul respectfully requests that Philemon forgive his runaway slave, free him, and allow him to serve Christ without restrictions. Philemon was a prominent figure in the church of Colossae. Paul goes so far as to ask Philemon to charge any debts owed by Onesimus to Paul himself.

Philemon is short enough that it only contains a single chapter. Because Paul knows Philemon personally, and has only positive things to say about him, there is no need for a lengthy discussion. Paul appeals to Philemon to forgive and release his runaway slave, Onesimus. Onesimus, a convert to Christianity, seems be the one sent to deliver this letter to his former master.

Philemon is one of the shorter books in the Bible, but it contains some important information. The Christian concept of slavery cannot be understood without a proper review of this letter. Paul recognizes the facts of slavery in his era, and does not command Philemon to release Onesimus. However, he does appeal to the unity we share in Christ as a reason for Philemon to set this man free.

Accessed 5/3/2024 4:40:36 PM