Apphia
Apphia was an early Christian figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Epistle to Philemon. She is venerated as a saint alongside Philemon, possibly his wife, and is remembered for her early Christian fellowship and potential martyrdom.
- Century
- 1st century
- Country Or Region
- Asia Minor
Key Facts
- ›Apphia is mentioned in the Epistle to Philemon, addressed to Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus.
- ›She is described as 'Apphia our sister' in the letter.
- ›She is venerated as a saint by several Christian churches.
- ›Apphia is possibly the wife of Philemon.
- ›She is mentioned alongside Philemon, Archippus, and Onesimus in accounts of martyrdom.
- ›Some traditions associate her martyrdom with the reign of Nero.
Appia
About Apphia
Apphia is an early Christian figure mentioned in the New Testament. She is primarily known through a letter from the Apostle Paul to Philemon, where she is addressed as 'our sister'. It is widely believed that Apphia was the wife of Philemon, a wealthy Christian and minister.
Historical Context and Veneration
Apphia lived in Asia Minor during the 1st century CE. She is venerated as a saint by several Christian churches, often alongside Philemon and Archippus. The Menaia of November 22nd speaks of Apphia as a holy figure who, together with Philemon, Archippus, and Onesimus, was martyred at Colossae during the first general persecution under Emperor Nero.
Significance
Apphia's significance lies in her inclusion in the early Christian epistles and her tradition as a martyr. Her presence in the Epistle to Philemon highlights the roles of women within the nascent Christian communities. Her veneration as a saint underscores her importance in the history of Christian devotion.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Apphia mentioned in the Bible?
Apphia was an early Christian figure addressed in the New Testament Epistle to Philemon. She is referred to as 'Apphia our sister' and is venerated as a saint by multiple Christian traditions.
What is Apphia's relationship to Philemon?
The Epistle to Philemon addresses both Philemon and Apphia. She is often believed to be Philemon's wife, though the text only calls her 'our sister'.
Is Apphia considered a martyr?
Yes, traditions, such as those in the Menaia of 22 November, speak of Apphia as a martyr who suffered during the first general persecution in the reign of Nero, alongside Philemon, Archippus, and Onesimus.
Where is Apphia venerated?
Apphia is venerated as a saint by several Christian churches, including the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church, often on dates associated with Philemon.
Related Saints
Autonomus
Saint Autonomus was a martyr venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church. He was an Italian bishop who fled persecution to Bithynia, where he evangelized the region and became the first bishop of Claudiopolis before his martyrdom.
Thraseas
Saint Thraseas was a martyr and bishop of Eumenia in Phrygia during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. He is chiefly remembered as a Quartodeciman Christian leader who observed Passover on the 14th of Aviv, adhering to traditions passed down from the Apostle John, and as an opponent of Montanism. Thraseas was martyred in Smyrna.
Philemon
Philemon was an early Christian in Asia Minor, known primarily as the recipient of the Epistle to Philemon, a private letter from Paul of Tarsus found in the New Testament. He is remembered for his role in the early Christian community and is venerated as a saint, possibly alongside his wife Apphia.