Verse 2. And to our beloved Apphia. This was a female, (Gr. agaphth,) and was probably the wife of Philemon. And Archippus our fellow-soldier. See Barnes "Col 4:17". It has been supposed that he was a son of Philemon, and this would appear not to be improbable, as he was one of his family. On the term "fellow-soldier," See Barnes "Php 2:25". It is applied here to one who was a minister of the gospel, and who is spoken of in connection with Paul as enlisted under the banners of the Captain of salvation, and waging a warfare with the wickedness of the world. Comp. See Barnes "2 Ti 2:3, See Barnes "2 Ti 2:4". That Archippus was a minister of the gospel, is clear from Col 4:17. And to the church in thy house. Either the church that commonly met in his house, or more probably that was composed of his own family. Comp. Ro 16:5. {c} "Archippus" Col 4:17 {d} "church" Ro 16:5 |