Philemon 1:23
New International Version
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings.

New Living Translation
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings.

English Standard Version
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you,

Berean Standard Bible
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings,

Berean Literal Bible
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,

King James Bible
There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

New King James Version
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,

New American Standard Bible
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,

NASB 1995
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,

NASB 1977
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,

Legacy Standard Bible
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,

Amplified Bible
Greetings to you from Epaphras, my fellow prisoner here in [the cause of] Christ Jesus,

Berean Annotated Bible
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ (the Anointed One) Jesus (YHWH saves), sends you greetings,

Christian Standard Bible
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, and so do

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, and so do

American Standard Version
Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, saluteth thee;

Contemporary English Version
Epaphras is also here in jail for being a follower of Christ Jesus. He sends his greetings,

English Revised Version
Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, saluteth thee;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Epaphras, who is a prisoner because of Christ Jesus like I am,

Good News Translation
Epaphras, who is in prison with me for the sake of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings,

International Standard Version
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in the Messiah Jesus, sends you greetings,

NET Bible
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you.

New Heart English Bible
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,

Webster's Bible Translation
There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus;

Weymouth New Testament
Greetings to you, my brother, from Epaphras my fellow prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus;
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings,

World English Bible
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Epaphras greets you (my fellow-captive in Christ Jesus),

Berean Literal Bible
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,

Young's Literal Translation
Salute thee doth Epaphras, (my fellow-captive in Christ Jesus,)

Smith's Literal Translation
Epaphras greets thee, my fellow-captive in Christ Jesus;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;

Catholic Public Domain Version
Greet Epaphras, my fellow captive in Christ Jesus,

New American Bible
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,

New Revised Standard Version
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Ep’a-phras, my fellow prisoner in Jesus Christ, salutes you;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Epaphra, a fellow captive in Yeshua The Messiah, invokes your peace,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, salutes you:

Godbey New Testament
Epaphras, my fellow-soldier in Christ Jesus;

Haweis New Testament
There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus;

Mace New Testament
Epaphras my fellow-prisoner in the cause of Christ Jesus; Marcus,

Weymouth New Testament
Greetings to you, my brother, from Epaphras my fellow prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus;

Worrell New Testament
Epaphras, my fellow-captive in Christ Jesus, salutes you;

Worsley New Testament
Epaphras my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, and Marcus,

Additional Translations ...



Context
Additional Greetings
22In the meantime, prepare a guest room for me, because I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you. 23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, 24as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.…

Cross References
Epaphras,

Colossians 4:12-13
Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God. / For I testify about him that he goes to great pains for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.

Colossians 1:7-8
You learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, / and who also informed us of your love in the Spirit.
my fellow prisoner

Colossians 4:10
My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him.

Romans 16:7
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.
in Christ Jesus,

Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

Ephesians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,
sends you greetings,

1 Peter 5:13
The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark.

Romans 16:21-23
Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen. / I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord. / Gaius, who has hosted me and all the church, sends you greetings. Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you greetings, as does our brother Quartus.

1 Corinthians 16:19-20
The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. / All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Acts 19:29
Soon the whole city was in disarray. They rushed together into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia.

Acts 20:4
Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.

2 Timothy 4:12
Tychicus, however, I have sent to Ephesus.

Philippians 2:25
But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs.

Philippians 4:18
I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

2 Corinthians 8:23
As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

There salute you Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;

Epaphras.

Colossians 1:7
As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

my fellow-prisoner.

Romans 16:7
Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

Colossians 4:10
Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

Jump to Previous
Brother-Prisoner Christ Epaphras Ep'aphras Fellow Fellow-Captive Fellowprisoner Fellow-Prisoner Greetings Greets Jesus Prisoner Sake Salute Salutes Saluteth Sends
Jump to Next
Brother-Prisoner Christ Epaphras Ep'aphras Fellow Fellow-Captive Fellowprisoner Fellow-Prisoner Greetings Greets Jesus Prisoner Sake Salute Salutes Saluteth Sends
Philemon 1
1. Paul rejoices to hear of the faith and love of Philemon,
8. whom he desires to forgive his servant Onesimus, and lovingly to receive him again.












Epaphras,

A native of Colossae and likely the one who first brought the gospel to that city, Epaphras served Christ faithfully and cared deeply for the churches of Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. He was known for earnest prayer and labor on behalf of the believers.

Col 4:12-13 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus,…
Col 1:7-8 You learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant…

my fellow prisoner

Epaphras was with Paul in confinement, sharing the suffering that accompanied gospel ministry. His presence testified to the close fellowship and costly service of those who labored with Paul.

Col 4:10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings…
Rom 16:7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen…

in Christ Jesus,

Their imprisonment was connected to their union with Christ and their service in His name. Even under restraint, their identity and work remained centered on Christ.

Php 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,…
Eph 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,…
2Ti 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…

sends you greetings,

Epaphras joined Paul in sending personal greetings to Philemon and the believers meeting in his house, showing his continuing concern for the church in Colossae.

1Pe 5:13 The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, …
Rom 16:21-23 Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings…
1Co 16:19-20 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings.…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Epaphras
A fellow worker and prisoner with Paul, Epaphras is mentioned as someone who is deeply committed to the ministry and the spread of the Gospel. He is known for his fervent prayers and dedication to the church in Colossae.

2. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to Philemon. At the time of writing, Paul is imprisoned, likely in Rome, and is advocating for Onesimus, a runaway slave.

3. Philemon
The recipient of the letter, a Christian leader in Colossae, who is being asked by Paul to forgive and accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ.

4. Onesimus
A slave who had run away from Philemon and met Paul, through whom he became a Christian. Paul is sending him back to Philemon with this letter.

5. Rome
The probable location of Paul's imprisonment when he wrote this letter. It serves as a backdrop for the context of the letter, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for ministry even in confinement.
Teaching Points
The Power of Fellowship in Christ
Epaphras is described as a "fellow prisoner," highlighting the deep bond and shared mission among believers. This fellowship transcends physical circumstances and is rooted in their shared identity in Christ.

The Role of Intercessory Prayer
Epaphras is known for his fervent prayers, reminding us of the importance of interceding for others. Prayer is a powerful tool for supporting and uplifting the body of Christ.

Ministry in Adversity
Paul's imprisonment did not stop his ministry; rather, it provided new opportunities to spread the Gospel. This teaches us that our circumstances do not limit God's work through us.

The Importance of Reconciliation
The letter to Philemon is centered on reconciliation, urging Philemon to forgive Onesimus. This reflects the heart of the Gospel, which is about restoring relationships.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Philemon 1:23?

2. How does Epaphras' mention in Philemon 1:23 inspire us to support fellow believers?

3. What can we learn from Epaphras' role as a "fellow prisoner" in Christ?

4. How does Philemon 1:23 connect to Paul's other mentions of Epaphras in Colossians?

5. How can we emulate Epaphras' dedication in our own spiritual communities today?

6. What does Philemon 1:23 teach about enduring hardships for the sake of the Gospel?

7. Who is Epaphras mentioned in Philemon 1:23, and what is his significance in early Christianity?

8. Why does Paul refer to Epaphras as a "fellow prisoner" in Philemon 1:23?

9. How does Philemon 1:23 reflect the theme of Christian fellowship and support?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Philemon 1?


Verses 23, 24. - Salute. The salutations correspond generally to those with which the Epistle to the Colossians closes, but they are fuller, as is natural, in the longer Epistle. The order is in - Colossians:

Tychicus

Onesimus

Aristarchus . . .

Philemon 1:23 spotlights Epaphras as a devoted coworker who shares Paul’s chains for the gospel. Their fellowship “in Christ Jesus” turns a bleak prison into a platform for encouragement. By sending greetings, Epaphras models the compassionate, prayerful support every believer is called to extend, proving that gospel partnership thrives even in the hardest places.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Epaphras,
Ἐπαφρᾶς (Epaphras)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1889: Contracted from Epaphroditos; Epaphras, a Christian.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

fellow prisoner
συναιχμάλωτός (synaichmalōtos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4869: A fellow captive or prisoner. From sun and aichmalotos; a co-captive.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Christ
Χριστῷ (Christō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

Jesus,
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

sends you greetings,
Ἀσπάζεταί (Aspazetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 782: To greet, salute, pay my respects to, welcome. To enfold in the arms, i.e. to salute, to welcome.


Additonal Resources
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NT Letters: Philemon 1:23 Epaphras my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus (Phm Phl)

Philemon 1:22
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