The term "fellow-soldier" is used in the New Testament to describe a close companion in the spiritual battle and ministry of the Gospel. This term is rich in military imagery, reflecting the early Christian understanding of the Christian life as a form of spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul, who frequently employed military metaphors, uses this term to convey the camaraderie and shared mission among believers.

Biblical References:

1. 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." In this passage, Paul refers to Epaphroditus as a "fellow soldier," highlighting his role in the ministry and his dedication to the cause of Christ. Epaphroditus is not only a brother and worker but also a soldier, indicating his active participation in the spiritual struggle alongside Paul.

2. Philemon 1:2 : "to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house." Here, Paul addresses Archippus as a "fellow soldier," suggesting that Archippus is engaged in the same spiritual battle and mission. This designation underscores the sense of unity and shared purpose among early Christians, who viewed themselves as part of a spiritual army.

Theological Significance:

The use of "fellow-soldier" in the New Testament underscores the concept of the Christian life as a battle against spiritual forces. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage provides context for understanding the term "fellow-soldier," as it emphasizes the spiritual nature of the conflict in which believers are engaged.

The metaphor of a soldier also implies discipline, endurance, and loyalty. Just as soldiers in a physical army must be disciplined and committed to their mission, so too must Christians be steadfast in their faith and dedication to the Gospel. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 2:3-4 , exhorts Timothy, "Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him." This passage further illustrates the expectations of a "fellow-soldier" in the Christian context.

Historical Context:

In the Roman world, soldiers were highly regarded for their bravery, discipline, and loyalty. By using the term "fellow-soldier," Paul taps into a familiar cultural image that would resonate with his audience. The early Christians, often facing persecution and opposition, would have found encouragement in the idea of being part of a spiritual army, united in purpose and strengthened by their shared faith.

Practical Application:

For contemporary Christians, the concept of being a "fellow-soldier" serves as a reminder of the communal aspect of the faith journey. Believers are called to support one another, share in each other's struggles, and work together to advance the Gospel. This term also challenges Christians to remain vigilant and committed to their spiritual disciplines, recognizing that they are part of a larger battle against spiritual darkness.

In summary, the term "fellow-soldier" encapsulates the essence of Christian fellowship and the shared mission of believers. It calls for unity, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to the cause of Christ, reflecting the early church's understanding of the Christian life as a spiritual battle.4961. sustratiotes -- a fellow soldier
... fellow soldier. From sun and stratiotes; a co-campaigner, ie (figuratively) an
associate in Christian toil -- fellowsoldier. see GREEK sun. see GREEK stratiotes ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4961.htm - 6k

Philemon i. 3-Jan
... Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-laborer,
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the ...
/.../homily i philemon i 3-jan.htm

Philippians ii. 19-21
... That is, God willing. [642]. Ver.25. "But I counted it necessary to send to you
Epaphroditus, my brother, and fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier.". ...
/.../homily ix philippians ii 19-21.htm

Colossians iv. 12, 13
... Again, is thine heart set upon self-indulgence? Picture to thy mind Paul's
prison-house; thou art his disciple, his fellow-soldier. ...
/.../homily xii colossians iv 12.htm

The First Successors of the Apostles.
... [618]. 10. Clement also, who was appointed third bishop of the church at Rome, was,
as Paul testifies, his co-laborer and fellow-soldier. [619]. 11. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iv the first successors of.htm

The Epistle to Philemon
... The letter is addressed to "Philemon our dearly beloved and fellow-laborer, and
to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus, our fellow-soldier, and to the church in ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the epistle to philemon.htm

The Epistle to Philemon.
... us into a Christian household, consisting of father (Philemon), mother (Apphia),
son (Archippus, who was at the same time a "fellow-soldier," a Christian ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 98 the epistle to.htm

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom,
... For in the Epistle to him he saith, "And to Archippus our fellow-soldier" (Ver.2.);
and in this, "Say to Archippus." (Colossians 4:17.) This man seems to me to ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom 2.htm

Exposition of the Present State of the Churches.
... If our enemy is not the first to strike us, we are wounded by the comrade at our
side. If a foeman is stricken and falls, his fellow soldier tramples him down. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter xxx exposition of the.htm

Whether we Ought to do Good to those Rather who are More Closely ...
... goodness. But a soldier on the battlefield is bound to help a fellow-soldier
who is a stranger rather than a kinsman who is a foe. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether we ought to do 2.htm

How the Midianites and Other Nations Fought against the Israelites ...
... and as he came near to one of the tents, he discovered that those that were in it
were awake, and that one of them was telling to his fellow soldier a dream of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the midianites.htm

Fellowsoldier (2 Occurrences)
...Fellowsoldier (2 Occurrences). ... (KJV). Philemon 1:2 And to our beloved Apphia, and
Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: (KJV). ...
/f/fellowsoldier.htm - 7k

Fellow-soldier (2 Occurrences)
... Fellowsoldier, Fellow-soldier. Fellow-traveller . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Fellowsoldier, Fellow-soldier. Fellow-traveller . Reference Bible.
/f/fellow-soldier.htm - 7k

Archippus (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Master of the horse, a "fellow-soldier" of Paul's (Philemon
1:2), whom he exhorts to renewed activity (Colossians 4:17). ...
/a/archippus.htm - 7k

Epaphroditus (2 Occurrences)
... Paul calls him "my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier." "The three words
are arranged in an ascending scale: common sympathy, common work, common ...
/e/epaphroditus.htm - 9k

Soldier (16 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:25 But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother,
fellow worker, fellowsoldier, and your apostle and servant of my need ...
/s/soldier.htm - 12k

Fellow (166 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:25 But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother,
fellow worker, fellowsoldier, and your apostle and servant of my need ...
/f/fellow.htm - 42k

Worker (36 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:25 But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother,
fellow worker, fellowsoldier, and your apostle and servant of my need ...
/w/worker.htm - 20k

Fellow-workman (5 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:25 but I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my
brother and fellow-workman and fellow-soldier, but your messenger and minister ...
/f/fellow-workman.htm - 7k

Fellow-worker (5 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:25 But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother
and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my ...
/f/fellow-worker.htm - 7k

Who was Archippus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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