Philemon 1:24 kjv

Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

Philemon 1:24 nkjv

as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers.

Philemon 1:24 niv

And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

Philemon 1:24 esv

and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.

Philemon 1:24 nlt

So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers.

Philemon 1 verses

Philemon 1 24 Meaning

Philemon 1:24 identifies four specific individuals – Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke – as "my fellow-laborers" (or "co-workers") who join Paul in sending greetings to Philemon. This verse signifies Paul's deep network of support and partnership in the Gospel ministry. It highlights the collaborative nature of early Christian work, where diverse individuals, some mentioned repeatedly in other epistles, collectively participated in spreading the message of Christ. The inclusion of these names reinforces the personal and communal aspect of Paul's plea to Philemon regarding Onesimus, showing that his concerns were shared by others dedicated to the Lord's work.

Philemon 1 24 Context

Philemon chapter 1 is a personal letter from the Apostle Paul, imprisoned, to Philemon, a wealthy Christian leader in Colossae. The central theme of the letter is Paul's appeal to Philemon to receive back his runaway slave, Onesimus, who had become a believer and a useful minister to Paul during his imprisonment. Paul uses persuasive rhetoric, appealing to Philemon's Christian character, love, and partnership in the Gospel.

Verse 24 specifically comes at the close of the letter, as part of Paul's personal greetings. After requesting lodging and sharing his confidence in Philemon's obedience, Paul includes greetings from specific individuals who are with him. These names serve multiple purposes: they add weight to Paul's appeal, demonstrate the community of believers surrounding him even in prison, and allow those individuals to extend their personal greetings to Philemon and his household. This personal touch highlights the deep bonds within the early church and underscores the communal responsibility in supporting and furthering the Gospel, even in delicate situations like Onesimus's return.

Philemon 1 24 Word analysis

• Mark (Μᾶρκος - Markos): This name is universally identified with John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. His inclusion here highlights themes of redemption and reconciliation within the church. Early in his ministry, Mark abandoned Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:13), leading to a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:37-39). However, later New Testament epistles, including this one and 2 Timothy 4:11, show that Mark was fully restored and had become "useful to me for ministry," demonstrating God's grace and Paul's willingness to reconcile. This resonates deeply with the central theme of forgiveness and restoration regarding Onesimus in the letter to Philemon.
• Aristarchus (Ἀρίσταρχος - Aristarchos): A Macedonian from Thessalonica (Acts 27:2). Aristarchus was a faithful companion of Paul during various parts of his ministry. He faced dangers with Paul (Acts 19:29) and traveled with him on his way to Rome (Acts 20:4; 27:2). In Colossians 4:10, Paul refers to him as a "fellow prisoner." His inclusion underscores Paul's shared suffering and the loyalty of his associates, highlighting commitment to Christ despite hardship.
• Demas (Δημᾶς - Demas): Mentioned also in Colossians 4:14 with Luke. However, the mention of Demas here stands in poignant contrast to his later actions recorded in 2 Timothy 4:10, where Paul laments that "Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica." In Philemon, he is counted among the "fellow-laborers," but his later defection serves as a sober reminder of the spiritual struggles faced even by those closely associated with apostles. This subtle theological undercurrent highlights the need for perseverance and guarding one's heart against worldly attractions.
• Luke (Λουκᾶς - Loukas): Known as "the beloved physician" (Col 4:14) and traditionally identified as the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Luke was a constant and faithful companion of Paul, often appearing in the "we" sections of Acts. His consistent presence across Paul's imprisonments (Philem 1:24, Col 4:14, 2 Tim 4:11) testifies to his unwavering dedication and service to Paul and the Gospel.
• my fellow-laborers (οἱ συνεργοί μου - hoi synergōi mou):
  • hoi (οἱ): The definite article, indicating "the" or "these."
  • synergōi (συνεργοί): The plural form of synergos, meaning "fellow worker," "co-worker," or "colleague." The word is derived from syn (with) and ergon (work). This term signifies individuals who participate jointly in an activity or endeavor. Paul frequently used this term to describe those who shared in his ministry of spreading the Gospel (e.g., Rom 16:3, 9, 21; 1 Cor 3:9; 2 Cor 1:24; 2 Cor 8:23; Phil 2:25; Col 4:11; 1 Thess 3:2; Philem 1:1). It underscores the principle of corporate ministry, where the work of the Gospel is not done by a single individual but by a collective body united in purpose and effort.
  • mou (μου): The possessive pronoun "my," indicating that these individuals are his co-workers. This personal attachment highlights the relational dimension of Paul's ministry and the mutual commitment between him and his associates. It shows that ministry is not just a task, but a deeply relational partnership.

Philemon 1 24 Bonus section

The consistent naming of Paul's associates across his epistles highlights the crucial role of personal relationships in the advancement of the early Christian church. These are not just casual acquaintances but trusted individuals deeply invested in Paul's ministry and well-being. The emphasis on "fellow-laborers" contrasts sharply with hierarchical or individualistic models of leadership. It champions a cooperative spirit, where the effectiveness of ministry is amplified through collective effort and shared responsibility. The inclusion of names like Mark, who had a complex history with Paul, also demonstrates a theology of restoration and second chances, which is directly echoed in the central plea of the Philemon letter regarding Onesimus. Even the case of Demas, though poignant in retrospect, underscores the ongoing need for spiritual vigilance among those engaged in ministry, reminding us that personal commitment must endure amidst worldly temptations. The short nature of the letter to Philemon allows for this density of personal detail, making it a profound example of Christian fellowship applied to specific interpersonal and theological challenges.

Philemon 1 24 Commentary

Philemon 1:24 provides a glimpse into the relational dynamics and the collaborative structure of the early Christian mission. Paul, a prisoner for Christ, was not alone but surrounded by a loyal and active team of Gospel partners. The inclusion of Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke as "my fellow-laborers" is more than a mere courtesy; it affirms their shared commitment to the Gospel and their integral role in Paul's ministry. Each individual name, though concise, carries a narrative weight. Mark signifies reconciliation and the transformative power of grace, highlighting that past failures can lead to future usefulness in God's kingdom. Aristarchus exemplifies enduring loyalty and shared suffering for Christ, indicating the cost and camaraderie of ministry. Luke stands for unwavering faithfulness and comprehensive service, a reliable companion who continued with Paul to the very end. Demas's mention, while appearing as a co-laborer here, offers a subtle, even prescient, note of human fallibility in ministry, underscoring the necessity of perseverance and reliance on God's grace. Collectively, "fellow-laborers" is a powerful designation, showing that the church's mission thrives on partnership, mutual support, and diverse contributions from devoted individuals, emphasizing unity in purpose even amidst differing gifts and personal journeys. This communal endorsement reinforces Paul's plea to Philemon, demonstrating that the appeal for Onesimus is not a private matter but resonates with the collective heart of those committed to the expansion of God's kingdom.