Ep′aphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you,

Ἀσπάζεταί σε Ἐπαφρᾶς ὁ συναιχμάλωτός μου ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ,

Early Fathers

John Chrysostom (349-407)

Homilies on Philemon

Ver. 23. Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, salutes you.

He was sent by the Colossians, so that from this it appears that Philemon was also at Colossæ. And he calls him his fellow-prisoner, showing that he also was in much tribulation, so that if not on his own account, yet on account of the other, it was right that he should be heard. For he that is in tribulation, and overlooks himself, and is concerned for others, deserves to be heard.

And he puts him to shame from another consideration, if his countryman is a fellow-prisoner with Paul and suffers affliction with him, and he himself does not grant him a favor in behalf of his own servant. And he has added, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, instead of on account of Christ.

[For moral, see Phm 1:25]