“There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;”
Epaphroditus, my fellow prisoner, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers — the list of salutations from co-workers and fellow prisoners witnesses to Paul's network and suffering for the gospel. Epaphroditus's status as fellow prisoner (syndesmios) affirms the serious nature of the imprisonment; the others represent the apostolic community surrounding Paul. Their greetings extend corporate endorsement of Paul's appeal to Philemon.
Church Fathers on Philemon 1:23
He was sent by the Colossians, so that from this it appears that Philemon was also at Colossæ. And he calls him his “fellow-prisoner,” showing that he also was in much tribulation, so that if not on his own account, yet on account of the other, it was right that he should be heard. For he that is in tribulation, and overlooks himself, and is concerned for others, deserves to be heard. And he puts him to shame from another consideration, if his countryman is a fellow-prisoner…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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