Philemon 1:2

our beloved Apphia Read, probably, our (lit., the) sister Apphia. The Vulgate combines the two readings, Appiæ sorori caris-simæ. We may be sure that Apphia was Philemon's wife. Her name was a frequent Phrygian name (written otherwise Aphphia;other forms found are Apphê, Aphphê), and had no connexion with the Latin Appia. See Lightfoot's abundant evidence, pp. 372 4. We know Apphia from this passage only. Legend says that she was martyred with Philemon at Colossæ. See further above, p. 152.

Archippus Probably Philemon's son and (Colossians 4:17) a missionary-pastor of Colossæ and its neighbourhood. Of him too we know nothing outside these allusions; his martyrdom, when he suffered with his parents, is a legend only. Lightfoot (p. 375) inclines to think that his pastorate lay at Laodicea, reasoning from the passage Colossians 4:15-17. But would he not have lived at Laodicea, if so? And if so, would he have been saluted thus, in this letter referring wholly to the home, in closest connexion with his (assumed) parents, and just before a mention of "the church in their house"? On the other hand, Archippus may have had to do with the mission at Laodicea, perhaps as superintending pastor, while resident at Colossæ. Possibly he had lately undertaken such an extension of charge, and this might be referred to Colossians 4:17. But (see note there) we incline to think that that verse refers to Archippus and to a recent appointment to ministry at Colossæ. See further above, p. 152.

See note on the Subscription to the Epistle, for a (late) mention of Archippus as "the deacon" of the Colossian Church.

our fellowsoldier In Christ's great missionary campaign. Cp. Philippians 2:25, and our note. For the imagery, cp. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; 1Ti 1:18; 2 Timothy 2:3-4. Wyclif, "archip oure euene knyet."

the church in thy house Cp. Colossians 4:15, and note. Philemon's house was the Christian rendezvousof Colossæ, and his great room the worship-place.