Women of the Bible from A to Z
series
A – Apphia, acknowledge in the
2nd verse of Philemon.
"This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching
the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. I am writing to
Philemon, our beloved co-worker, and to our sister Apphia, and to our
fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house. May God our Father and the
Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace." Philemon 1-3
Scholars presume Apphia was the
wife of the book’s namesake, Philemon probably because she is listed as Paul
thanked them for their hospitality. They lived in the city of Colosse (or
Colassa), between Hierapolis and Laodica near the great road from Ephesus to
the Euphrates River. [The modern town of Chonas or Chonum now occupies a site
near Colosse’s ruins.] Philemon, a much beloved and respected student of the
Apostle Paul is also mentioned in the Colossians 4:9.
This passage is the only mention of
Apphia, but her name means “increasing.” Synonyms of “increasing” include grow,
escalate, amplify, encourage, foster, and proliferate. I imagine Apphia as a
woman dedicated to spreading the Gospel and increasing the Kingdom of God.
How might have Apphia lived up
to her name? Did she bring aid to the hurting, the sick, or the poor? Do you
think she baked bread for the widow in her community? Maybe she quilted
blankets for the homeless or taught scriptures to the neighborhood children.
Did a smile on her face expose her love for Jesus to everyone she met? I don’t
really know, I can only imagine.
What do you think about Apphia?
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Hi Merrie! I am blog hopping from A-Z. I love you plan for the challenged and have decided to follow you. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know what to think about Apphia... My idea is that she cooked and took care of others when it was needed.
Thanks for your kind words about my topic choice...I just hope I can keep it fun & interesting. And thanks for following me. God bless you on your hopping!
DeleteSince names in Bible times tended to be indicative of the person and the fact that the only place she was mentioned was in regards to hospitality, I imagine if she were alive today, she would be in charge of a homeless shelter or if she had a business it would be a bed and breakfast! Her house would be the place to stay if you were in town for a visit. And by the time you left, you would know who her source of strength and compassion was - God.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Angela! Let's go to her house; I'll drive.
Delete