Philemon 1:23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
The setting
Rome, ~60-62 AD. Epaphras, pastor from Colossae, has been imprisoned with Paul, possibly for refusing to stop preaching in Rome, Italy.
The emotion here: grateful for companionship in chains
The original word
synaichmalōtos (συναιχμάλωτός) — fellow captive, prisoner of war together
Why it matters
Epaphras likely traveled 1,100 miles from Colossae to visit Paul and got arrested himself
Read with care
What most readers miss in Philemon 1:23
Epaphras came to help Paul and ended up in chains too — love cost him everything
Common misconceptionPeople assume Epaphras was already in Rome when arrested, but he likely came specifically to minister to Paul and was imprisoned for continuing to preach.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Philemon 1:23
Bible Genome reading
Philemon 1:23 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Philemon 1:23 comes from the book of Philemon, written during the early_church period. These words are attributed to Paul. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is conversational. It belongs to the letter genre of biblical literature. Key themes include fellowship, persecution. Notable phrases: fellow prisoner in Christ.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Philemon 1:23 mean to you, today?
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