Bible Strands
Philemon 1:2
to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house:
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul and Timothy address Philemon, extending the greeting to Apphia, Archippus, and the house church gathering at Philemon’s home. This occurs immediately after the opening salutation in Philemon 1:1 and before the benediction in Philemon 1:3.
The words — The Greek συστρατιώτῃ (sustratiōtē) literally means "fellow soldier." It identifies Archippus as sharing in the same spiritual labor as the author.
The thread — The "fellow soldier" designation appears in Philippians 2:25 for Epaphroditus, while the house church pattern is noted in Romans 16:5. Archippus is also commanded to complete his assigned ministry in Colossians 4:17.
Why it lands — The text places household leadership, spiritual kinship, and domestic worship on equal footing with the primary recipient. It requires the reader to acknowledge shared responsibility and the practical reality of early Christian gatherings without elevating any single figure.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
Cross-references
- 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.
- 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 4:17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
- Colossians 4:15 Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house.
- 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.
- 2 Timothy 2:3 Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.