Topical Encyclopedia Apphia is a Christian figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's Epistle to Philemon. Her name appears in the salutation of the letter, which is addressed to Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the church that meets in their home. The relevant passage is found in Philemon 1:1-2 : "Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house."Identity and Role Apphia is referred to as "our sister," indicating her status as a fellow believer and a respected member of the early Christian community. The use of familial language, such as "sister," reflects the close-knit nature of the early church, where believers were often seen as part of a spiritual family. Her inclusion in the greeting suggests that she held a significant role within the house church, possibly as a leader or a person of influence. Context in Colossae The city of Colossae, located in the region of Phrygia in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), was a center of early Christian activity. The church in Colossae was likely established during Paul's missionary journeys, although Paul himself may not have visited the city. The letter to Philemon, along with the Epistle to the Colossians, provides insight into the life and challenges of the Colossian church. Connection to Philemon and Archippus Apphia is mentioned alongside Philemon and Archippus, suggesting a close relationship among them. Philemon is identified as a "beloved fellow worker," and Archippus as a "fellow soldier." It is possible that Apphia was Philemon's wife, although the text does not explicitly state this. The mention of the church meeting in their home indicates that they were hosts of a house church, a common practice in the early Christian movement. Significance in the Epistle The Epistle to Philemon is a personal letter from Paul, written during his imprisonment, concerning Onesimus, a runaway slave who had become a Christian. Paul appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus back not as a slave but as a "beloved brother" (Philemon 1:16). Apphia's inclusion in the letter's address suggests that she, too, would have been involved in the decision regarding Onesimus, highlighting her importance in the household and the church. Legacy and Interpretation Apphia's mention in the New Testament, though brief, underscores the active participation of women in the early church. Her role in the Colossian community reflects the broader involvement of women in the spread of Christianity and the establishment of house churches. Throughout church history, Apphia has been venerated as a saint in some Christian traditions, and her example continues to inspire discussions on the role of women in ministry and leadership within the church. Nave's Topical Index Philemon 1:2And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Nave's Topical Index Greek 682. Apphia -- Apphia, a Christian woman in Colossae ... Apphia, a Christian woman in Colossae. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Apphia Phonetic Spelling: (ap-fee'-a) Short Definition: Apphia Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/682.htm - 6k Library The Epistle to Philemon. The Epistle to Philemon The Supremacy of Christ The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians --The Epistle of ... Resources Who was Archippus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Philemon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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