Journal: Priscilla Papers
Volume: PP 31:2 (Spring 2017)
Article: Was Apphia An Early Christian Leader? An Investigation And Proposal Regarding The Identity Of The Woman In Philemon 1:2
Author: Nicholas Rudolph Quient

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PP 31:2 (Spring 2017) p. 8

Was Apphia An Early Christian Leader? An Investigation And Proposal Regarding The Identity Of The Woman In Philemon 1:2

Nicholas Rudolph Quient

The epistle to Philemon begins, “Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and co- worker” (NRSV). Paul and Timothy1 then also address “Apphia the sister” (Apphia tē adelphē). Throughout the multitude of commentaries on Philemon, one struggles to find a helpful description of this mysterious woman. The standard volumes concerning the evangelical gender debate rarely mention Apphia, and both hierarchical2 and egalitarian3 perspectives have done little to explore her identity. Specifically, the lack of detailed research regarding Apphia’s status may be due to the fact that, unlike other women in the NT, she is not given a now- controversial title (cf. “deacon” in Rom 16:1-2 or “apostle” in Rom 16:7). Also potentially at play is the tendency of readers to miss something they are not looking for: because Apphia is not contested ground in the evangelical gender debate, it makes sense that a work exploring her identity has been missing. In contrast, most of the detailed work on Paul’s relationship with Apphia is not by evangelical scholars.4

In Phlm 1:2 we catch a glimpse into the dynamics of the ancient Christian household into which Paul is writing: “to Apphia our sister,5 to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your [sg.] house” (NRSV). The intent of this article is threefold: first, to explore Apphia’s status within the ancient household; second, to investigate her relationship to the various parties mentioned; and third—most importantly—to determine the potential implications for women in the church today.

Apphia: Wife, Slave, Or More?

What did the early church make of Apphia, in those rare cases where she is discussed at all? Is she a wife, a friend, a slave, a Pauline co-worker?

The leading view is found, for example, in the writings of John Chrysostom (c. 347-407), who believed Apphia was Philemon’s wife: “It seems to me that she was his partner in life. Observe the humility of Paul. He both joins Timothy with him in his request and asks not only the husband but the wife also, to whom Paul may be a friend as well.”6 Pelagius (c. 360-418) is less ...

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