Philemon 1:2
What does Philemon 1:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Philemon 1:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philemon 1:2 means
Paul includes “Apphia our sister,” “Archippus our fellow-soldier,” and “the church in thy house.” By addressing more than Philemon, Paul brings the whole household and congregation into view. The church met in Philemon’s home, showing early Christian hospitality and shared life. Calling Archippus a “fellow-soldier” evokes the spiritual struggle of ministry. These greetings make the matter public enough to invite accountability and communal grace, yet still affectionate and family-like. The reconciliation Paul will ask for is not a private transaction only; it displays the gospel’s power to a watching church that gathers under Philemon’s roof.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And to Apphia, our sister, and to Archippus, our brother in God's army, and to the church in your house:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Apphia the beloved, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and the assembly in thy house:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And to Appia, our dearest sister, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church which is in thy house.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and to the sister Apphia and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the assembly which [is] in thine house.
Context
This verse expands the audience beyond Philemon, indicating the letter concerns relationships within a household-church setting. The language of family and shared warfare underscores unity and mission. This broader address prepares readers to understand why Paul’s request about Onesimus affects more than two individuals. Verse 3 will close the salutation with a prayerful blessing, then verses 4–7 will offer thanksgiving and commendation, carefully building goodwill before Paul presents the delicate appeal.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 2:3
Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
- Colossians 4:17
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
- Colossians 4:15
Salute the brethren that are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church that is in their house.
- Romans 16:5
and salute the church that is in their house. Salute Epænetus my beloved, who is the firstfruits of Asia unto Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 16:19
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Prisca salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
- Philippians 2:25
But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need;