Apphia The wife of Philemon. She is called “sister” by Paul in the opening of the letter to Philemon (Philem 2), which has led many to the conclusion that she is married to Philemon and mistress of their home.
Archippus A Christian leader in the Lycus Valley. Paul calls him “fellow soldier” in Philemon 2 and exhorts him to fulfill his ministry in Colossians 4:17. The mention of Laodicea just prior to Paul’s exhortation in Colossians 4:17 could mean Archippus served the church there rather than Colossae. Later tradition held that he was the first bishop of Laodicea (Apostolic Constitutions 7.46).
Calmus A slave owned by Philemon who serves as the dye-works overseer in Colossae.
Demas A host of the church in Ephesus. Paul calls Demas his “coworker” in Philemon 24, and in Colossians 4:14 Demas sends greetings, suggesting he was well known by the church at Colossae. Second Timothy 4:10, however, indicates that Demas had fallen in love with the world, deserted Paul, and gone to Thessalonica. This tradition is more developed in the apocryphal Acts of Paul (Acts of Paul 3.1, 4, 12-14, 16).
Epaphras A leader of the church in the Lycus Valley and a companion of Paul. According to Colossians 1:7, the gospel message was brought to the Lycus valley by Epaphras. Although no mention of Epaphras’s imprisonment is made in Colossians, Paul calls Epaphras his “fellow prisoner” in Philemon 23. Paul notes in Colossians 4:12 that Epaphras is always praying for the church in Colossae.
Eutyches A local believer and public slave serving as a guard in the Ephesus prison under the management of Tiro.
Magnus A slave who serves as Nympha’s household manager in Laodicea. Magnus’s name is taken from a fourth-century AD papyrus letter from Oxyrhynchus (Oxyrhynchus Papyri 12.1423) in which an Egyptian official describes the circumstances surrounding the flight of his slave, who stole some unspecified items and is residing in another city.
Nympha A woman in Laodicea who owns a medical-compound business and hosts the church in her home. In Colossians 4:15 Paul greets Nympha “and the church in her house,” suggesting she was the owner of the house. She was probably a widow who attained a level of independence and freedom from male oversight of her business affairs.
Onesimus A fugitive slave owned by Philemon (Philem 16). The name, commonly used for slaves, means “useful,” about which Paul makes a pun when he describes the value of Onesimus to himself and Philemon (Philem 11). He was converted by Paul and became close to him while the apostle was in prison (Philem 10). In Colossians 4:9, Paul says Onesimus is a “faithful and dear brother, who is one of you,” suggesting he was from Colossae.
Paul Apostle to the Gentiles and author of thirteen letters in the New Testament, including the letter to Philemon. He is imprisoned awaiting trial.
Philemon A business owner, host of the local church in Colossae, and owner of Onesimus. A convert of the apostle Paul (Philem 19), he had a reputation as one who refreshed the hearts of the saints (Philem 7). Paul calls him “fellow worker” (Philem 1), suggesting he played a role in the ministry of the gospel, perhaps partnering with Paul in evangelistic work (Philem 17).
Tiro Manager of the prison in Ephesus and a local Christian who was once a public slave before gaining freedom and climbing the social ladder. Tiro is named after a slave once owned by the Stoic philosopher Cicero.
Tychicus A companion of Paul who calls him a “dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord” in Colossians 4:7. According to Colossians, Tychicus is carrying a letter to Colossae and passing on news to the church. Paul also mentions Onesimus in Colossians 4:9, which suggests Tychicus might have accompanied the errant slave to his home in Colossae.