Philemon 1:23-25

IV. Salutations and benediction; Philemon 1:23-25.

23. Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, saluteth thee; 24. and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers.

a.

As he does in several epistles Paul closes by naming several brethren with him who also send greetings.

b.

All of the men named here in the epistle to Philemon are called Paul's fellow-workers.

c.

All of them are also named in Colossians chapter four. This is a strong confirmation that the epistles to Colossians and to Philemon were dispatched simultaneously. Names here given include:

(1)

Epaphras, their former minister, who was at that time with Paul, and who had reported to Paul concerning their love. Colossians 1:7-8; Colossians 4:12. Epaphras is called Paul's fellow-prisoner, This word is also found in Romans 16:7 and Colossians 4:10. It is not the same word as desmios that is used in Philemon 1:1. Its root meaning is one taken away captive by the spear. We do not know the cause of Epaphras-' imprisonment, nor its severity,

(2)

Mark; See notes on Colossians 4:10.

(3)

Aristarchus; See notes on Colossians 4:10.

(4)

Demas; See notes on Colossians 4:14 and 2 Timothy 4:10.

(5)

Luke; See notes on Colossians 4:14.

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25. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

a.

This closing wish for grace is found in every epistle of Paul.

b.

This benediction is nearly word for word like Galatians 6:18, and is identical with Philippians 4:23.

c.

Grace comes from the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is a comprehensive term for His favor and all the good effects that His favor brings to us.

d.

It is noteworthy that the grace is to be with your (plural) spirit. The invisible needs of our invisible spirits are just as real as the more obvious visible needs of our visible bodies. Furthermore if the needs of our spirits are not supplied, we shall soon be suffering in both body and spirit. See Ephesians 4:12.

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The question comes inevitably to our minds: Did Philemon obey Paul's request. We think the answer is YES.
There is no written postscript or definite historical information to settle the question. Traditions that Onesimus ultimately became a bishop are just traditions. But to us it is more than unthinkable that Philemon did not fulfill Paul's confidence and hopes to the utmost. Surely the letter would never have been preserved if it had not accomplished its goal.