Philemon 22–25

22 The final verses of this short letter are dominated by mention of positive relationships. I include verse 22 with the following verses because it highlights such a relationship. Paul asks Philemon to prepare a guest room (xenia) for him. This is quite a remarkable request for a prisoner to make! Did Paul know he would be released shortly, or is this an expression of faith? We do not have any evidence to confirm whether or not Paul’s intentions were realized. Perhaps his reference to Philemon’s prayers and the possibility that Paul might be “graciously given to” Philemon suggest optimism regarding future liberty. Perhaps they also hint that Philemon has already indicated his desire for Paul to visit him.

23 The reference to Epaphras ties this letter closely to the letter to the Colossians, in which Epaphras is mentioned in 1:7 and 4:12. These are the only references to Epaphras in Paul’s letters, yet we learn significant things about his character: Epaphras shared the gospel with the Colossians (Col. 1:7); he spoke positively about the Colossians to Paul (Col. 1:8); he was from Colossae (Col. 4:12); he is characterized as a “servant,” or perhaps “slave,” of Christ Jesus (4:12); he struggles for the Colossians in prayer (4:12); he worked hard on behalf of the Christians at Colossae and also at Laodicea and Hierapolis (4:13). Finally, Paul describes him here as a “fellow prisoner” (synaichmalōtos). Although Paul employs a different word here than the one used of himself in 1:1, we can assume both terms refer to the same imprisonment.

24 The verb aspazetai (“greets”; v. 23) is singular and appears to relate primarily to Epaphras. The names of Paul’s other four colleagues (v. 24) are simply appended after the description of Epaphras, however, so it is clear that the same verb is to be applied to them as well. Although a common name might well apply to more than one person, the NT writers generally provide some kind of clarification when there might be confusion. Thus, the names of Mark and Luke, without further detail, almost certainly refer to the men well known from other parts of the NT with the same names. Aristarchus is less well known, although he is mentioned in Acts 19:29 as a Macedonian companion of Paul. The name “Demas” introduces a somber note since this is probably the same person to whom Paul refers in 2 Timothy 4:10 as having deserted him.

25 The final benediction repeats the emphasis on grace found in verse 3 and is a short variation on Paul’s regular benediction. While Paul is consistent in praying for grace for his Christian brothers and sisters, the precise form of his blessings varies.