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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Phm_1:23-24
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers.
Phm_1:23-25 This is very similar to the close of Colossians. These books (Philemon and Colossians) issue from the same historical setting.
Phm_1:23 "Epaphras" He was the founder of three of the churches (Colossae, Hierapolis, and Laodicea) in the Lycus River Valley (cf. Col_4:12-13; Phm_1:23). He was probably converted during Paul's revival at Ephesus (cf. Act_19:10). His name was a shortened form of Epaphroditus, which was etymologically related to the goddess Aphrodite. Another man by this same name was mentioned in Php_2:25; Php_4:18. However, he was from a different geographical area.
Phm_1:24 "Mark" He was also known as John Mark. His home may have been the site of the Lord's Supper and Upper Room appearances (cf. Act_12:12). He was Barnabas' cousin. He was the writer of the Gospel of Mark and a scribe for Peter (cf. 1Pe_5:13). He was the cause of a great fight between Barnabas and Paul (cf. Act_12:25; Act_13:5; Act_15:36-39). Later, however, Paul forgave and affirmed him (cf. 2Ti_4:11).
▣ "Demas" Demas was one of Paul's confidants and co-workers. He was mentioned along with Epaphras, Luke, Aristarchus, and Mark in Col_4:10-12. 2Ti_4:9 lists two of these same co-workers, Luke and Mark. Scripture states that "Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me." Paul had many helpers. Some, such as Luke, were always faithful. Others, such as John Mark, were once unfaithful but returned to ministry. Demas apparently left Paul's service for some unnamed temptation or opportunity. There is no implication that he left Christ.
▣ "Luke" He was Paul's faithful traveling friend, co-worker, and physician (cf. Col_4:14; 2Ti_4:11). He was with Paul during many of his preaching stops in Acts. This is confirmed by the "we" statements in Acts (cf. Act_16:11; Act_16:16; Act_20:6-7; Act_20:13; Act_21:1; Act_21:5; Act_21:7; Act_21:10; Act_21:12; Act_21:15; Act_21:17; Act_21:25; Act_27:1; Act_27:18; Act_27:26-27). Luke may have been the "man of Macedonia" in Act_16:9.