COMMONALITY. v.2 This interest also extends to other family members, especially Apphia, Philemon's wife. As "our sister," she was not only his wife but also a Christian who participated in the work of the Lord alongside Philemon and Archippus (probably an elder), a spiritual soldier in the battle against the powers of darkness that opposed them in Colossae. The work of the Lord is an ongoing conflict in which individuals and the "church in thy house" are engaged. However, this is the limit of what the contents of this letter were meant to disclose. When we are part of an assembly, we must remember that certain discussions are only the business of those directly involved, and to the extent they are affected, of the assembly they are a part of.
Mentioning names in a letter conveys our appreciation and esteem for those whom other believers may not have met. It also signifies our support for them and the service they provide for the Lord. These verses help us understand the value of diverse gifts and illuminate how early Christians fostered and maintained unity. First-century Christianity and twenty-first-century Christianity should resemble one another. No matter where people stand on the social or financial scale, faith in Christ unites us all. We are children of God through faith in Jesus Christ and brothers and sisters in Him. Slaves and wealthy individuals gathered together in “house-churches” as one in Christ. In the church, they were all equal in their privileges and responsibilities. Christianity does not demean womanhood but exalts women in a way that was not common in the ancient world. Beloved. Each believer has their own sphere of service to the Lord. The role of men is prominent in public as they are designated to speak on behalf of the entire assembly. Women’s role is evident, demonstrating the attitude of the whole assembly toward our Lord. Nothing we do can be considered overlooked. The Lord knows who His people are, what they do, and the motives behind their actions. The believer's new life is like putting on a new coat, filled with freshness and strength. A born-again Christian is now part of the family of God. The believer's character is holy and beloved because something new has taken place within. The Spirit of God dwells within us, and we have received a new nature that resists the pressures of sin. Some new attractions and desires accompany the spiritual life we have received. We should show mercy because mercy has been shown to us, and it now comes naturally. God, in His grace, extended His arm of grace and power to us, creating faith and trust within us. Showing kindness to others is no longer unusual; it has become second nature. Grace influences us and desires to express itself through us to others. We have been chosen for eternal salvation and must make every effort to live our daily lives in a godly manner. God’s sovereignty and our responsibility are compatible, not contradictory. The strength of character to deny oneself and refrain from being self-assertive embodies meekness. There is a lack of pride in accepting people as they are and tolerating their idiosyncrasies without taking offense.
Good character, a moral lifestyle, a solid reputation, and even spiritual sensitivity are not the same as saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. A believer's allegiance and loyalty are owed to Him above all other claims. Being a loyal citizen of a country or serving in the military, especially concerning family ties, is significant. Perhaps even loyalty to one's church fellowship surpasses these, but God and His kingdom come first in all these connections. People of good character are admired and trusted, and these traits should apply to every child of God. However, our reputation should not rely on our own goodness and righteous living; instead, it should reflect our Lord Jesus Christ. Living in a community and gaining praise from others for our good citizenship draws attention to ourselves. It is essential that our character and righteousness connect to our faith in Christ and His saving grace. Only then can we present the Gospel and show others what it means to be a child of God. Fellow soldier. Archippus was a fellow soldier with a ministry that was unique to him. He may have been Philemon’s son or an assembly leader, but he was responsible for fulfilling the service the Holy Spirit had given him. It must have involved dealing with opposition or potential opposition. As a spiritual soldier, he was either guarding the truth that was being attacked or advancing the Gospel and the truth of God.
A soldier who wants to please his commanding officer endures long hours of physical training to surpass the normal physical abilities of untrained individuals. He understands that life and death are at stake for him, those who follow him, and those he is called to protect and defend. Many believers today suffer in physical, emotional, and personal ways for the sake of the kingdom of God. People of faith do not want to deny their Lord in any way because they love Him with all their hearts. We must all respond to the challenge of living by faith. Courage, commitment, and a willingness to reject “the pleasures of sin” are essential for us to please our Supreme Commander. Regardless of the challenges we face, we must dedicate ourselves to being faithful to the Lord and pass on to others what we have been commissioned to.
The key to such endurance lies in our love for Jesus Christ, our commander, who suffered to bring us to God. We may be called to suffer and endure while striving to bless them, even though they don’t realize what they are missing and will miss forever. A good soldier keeps his eyes fixed on the Supreme Leader, who has in his mind and heart the complete picture of battles to be fought and victories to be won. There are often many distractions. Other soldiers may talk a lot but lack discipline.
When the pressure mounts to move forward despite obstacles and adversaries, individuals find excuses for not being in their expected positions. There is a tendency to relax when peace appears to be present. However, when an unseen and unexpected attack on truth and righteousness occurs, he becomes both unable and unwilling to defend his stance and support his Leader unless he is a good soldier.
In conveying these truths, the soldier bears a significant toll. There are hardships and suffering that cannot be avoided, similar to a soldier constantly in danger on the battlefield. The training period has ended, and the reality of hardship and suffering is undeniable. We find ourselves in the midst of battle. In active service, a soldier remains indifferent to the concerns of civilian life. What matters to a common soldier aligns with what is crucial to the Commander and what He expects from me. He sees the entire landscape and understands where the enemy is likely to strike. He desires his loyal soldier to be positioned ahead of the battle, ready to stand guard as a defender of the faith.
Our Lord knows when to call His soldiers to take their positions and defend the faith and when it’s best to attack and move forward. A good soldier of Jesus Christ sets aside all distractions to fulfill his commission. Nonessentials that do not relate to the urgency of his mission are cast aside. His leader knows and trusts him to carry out his calling. As a fellow soldier, he is to engage in the conflict for souls and the strengthening of the saints. There will be opposition and difficult circumstances to face in military service. Soldiers who win battles do not remain in one place all the time. Others face opposition at home or in distant lands and long for a fellow soldier with a message to share, welcoming someone to lend a hand in the work.