23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; 24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (Philemon 1:23-25 KJV)
Farewell
Paul ends with greetings: “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers” (Philemon 1:23-24). Epaphras, likely from Colossae, was a faithful minister who labored earnestly in prayer for the believers (Colossians 4:12-13). Mark, once separated from Paul, was later restored and valued in ministry (2 Timothy 4:11). Aristarchus, another companion, had also shared in Paul’s imprisonments (Colossians 4:10). Demas, though later noted for loving the world (2 Timothy 4:10), was still serving at this time. Luke, the beloved physician and evangelist (Colossians 4:14), was Paul’s steadfast companion. Their inclusion highlights the unity and shared labor of the gospel. Ministers are fellow workers, serving the same Lord and awaiting the same reward (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
Finally, Paul gives his blessing: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit” (Philemon 1:25). Grace is the best gift, securing all blessings for time and eternity. It comes through Jesus Christ, our Savior, who redeems us by His merit and renews us by His Spirit (John 1:16; Ephesians 1:7). Paul prays that this grace would rest upon Philemon and all the believers in his household, softening their hearts and enabling them to forgive, just as God forgave us in Christ (Ephesians 4:32).