Apphia
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Apphia in the Bible?
Apphia was a Christian woman from Colossae, likely the wife of Philemon and mother or sister of Archippus, who is addressed alongside them in the biblical epistle to Philemon.
SIGNIFICANCE
Her inclusion in the greeting of the epistle alongside Philemon and Archippus indicates her active role and authority within the early Christian household church, providing insight into the social structure and leadership dynamics of the first-century Christian community.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Apphia reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Apphia in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Apphia clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Apphia." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/apphia/