Philemon 1:2

Apphia--the Latin, "Appia"; either the wife or some close relative of Philemon. She and Archippus, if they had not belonged to his family, would not have been included with Philemon in the address of a letter on a domestic matter. Archippus--a minister of the Colossian Church (Col 4:17). fellow soldier-- (Ti2 2:3). church in thy house--In the absence of a regular church building, the houses of particular saints were used for that purpose. Observe Paul's tact in associating with Philemon those associated by kindred or Christian brotherhood with his house, and not going beyond it.

In this epistle we have, I. The preface (Plm 1:1-7). II. The substance and body of it (Plm 1:8-21). And then the conclusion (Plm 1:22 to the end.)

1:2 This is not a private letter to Philemon alone but is addressed also to his family and church. • Apphia was probably Philemon’s wife. • soldier: The servant of Christ is involved in a war and must be prepared to stand firm in the face of opposition (Eph 6:10-17). • Archippus was probably Philemon’s son (also mentioned in Col 4:17). • the church that meets in your house: The early Christians met together in private homes (see also Rom 16:5; 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15).