Lexical Summary Apphia: Apphia Original Word: Ἀπφία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Apphia. Probably of foreign origin; Apphia, a woman of Collosae -- Apphia. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a prim. root denoting endearment Definition Apphia, a Christian woman in Colossae NASB Translation Apphia (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 682: ἈπφίᾳἈπφίᾳ, Ἀπφιας, ἡ, Apphia, name of a woman: Philemon 1:2 (Apparently a Phrygian name expressive of endearment, cf. Suïdae Lex., Gaisf. edition, col. 534 a. Ἀπφα: ἀδελφῆς καί ἀδελφοῦ ὑποκόρισμα, etc. cf. ἀπφύς. See fully in Lightfoot's Commentary on Colossians and Philemon, p. 306ff.) Topical Lexicon Name and Occurrence Strong’s Greek 682, Ἀπφία (Apphía), appears once in the New Testament—Philemon 2: “to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house”. Her single mention situates her among the small circle addressed by Paul’s brief letter. Context within the Epistle to Philemon Paul’s letter was dispatched to Philemon, a prominent believer in Colossae, concerning the restoration of the runaway slave Onesimus. Apphia is greeted immediately after Philemon and before Archippus, indicating her significance in the household and in the congregation that assembled there. Ancient letters normally listed addressees in descending order of social or ecclesial standing; thus Apphia’s placement points to recognized spiritual leadership, possibly as Philemon’s wife and co-host of the house church (cf. Colossians 4:15). Role in the Colossian House Church House churches required hospitality, organization, and the stewardship of resources. Apphia, identified as “our sister,” functioned in close partnership with Philemon, facilitating gatherings, managing household affairs, and likely aiding in the practical outworking of Paul’s appeal for reconciliation with Onesimus. Her inclusion reminds readers that first-century congregations depended on entire households, not merely their male heads (cf. Acts 16:15). Ministry Lessons from Apphia 1. Shared stewardship: Apphia’s mention underscores that both men and women carry responsibility for church life (Romans 16:3–5). Women as Co-laborers with Paul Apphia joins a list of women Paul publicly commends—Priscilla (Romans 16:3), Phoebe (Romans 16:1), Euodia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:2–3). Together they illustrate how the apostolic mission depended upon gifted sisters who advanced the Gospel through teaching, service, and leadership within biblical parameters. Theological Themes Highlighted by Apphia’s Mention • Ecclesial equality before Christ: Addressing Apphia alongside Philemon reflects Paul’s teaching that “there is no male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Later Church Tradition and Legacy Early Christian tradition, particularly within the Eastern churches, reveres Apphia as a martyr alongside Philemon and Archippus, commemorating her on November 22. Though extrabiblical, such remembrance signals the high esteem in which she was held and encourages believers to persevere in hospitality and witness. Practical Application for Today • Christian households remain vital centers for worship, discipleship, and mission. Forms and Transliterations Απφια Ἀπφίᾳ απφουσώθ απφώθ Apphia ApphíāiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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