Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

PHILEMON 1:24KJV
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Philemon 1:24 (KJV)

What does Philemon 1:24 mean?

Philemon 1:24 lists four people—Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, and Lucas—whom Paul calls his "fellowlabourers." Paul is mentioning these coworkers to show that he is not alone and that others are supporting his work.

Paul is writing this letter to Philemon, a Christian in Colossae, while Paul is in prison. By naming these four men, Paul highlights the team effort behind his ministry and gives recognition to those who are working alongside him. This brief mention also shows the close relationships and cooperation among early Christian leaders.

The Greek behind Philemon 1:24

  • The word "fellowlabourers" (συνεργός, synergos) means coworkers or partners in work. Paul uses this term to show that Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, and Lucas are not just friends but active participants in his mission.
  • Each name—Marcus (Μᾶρκος, Mark), Aristarchus (Ἀρίσταρχος), Demas (Δημᾶς), and Lucas (Λουκᾶς, Luke)—is given without titles, suggesting familiarity and equality among them as partners.

Why Philemon 1:24 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Paul's ministry was a solo effort; it shows that he worked closely with a team.
  • The mention of these specific names helps connect this letter to other New Testament writings, where some of these people appear again, giving a fuller picture of the early Christian community.
  • By calling these men "fellowlabourers," Paul emphasizes the value of teamwork and mutual support in spreading the message of Christianity.

Where else these words appear

“Demas” Greek G1214 · used in 3 verses

  • Colossians 4:14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
  • 2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

“Lucas” Greek G3065 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.
  • Colossians 4:14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
  • 2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

“Aristarchus” Greek G708 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 19:29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
  • Acts 20:4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
  • Acts 27:2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

“Marcus” Greek G3138 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 12:12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
  • Acts 15:37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
  • Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas,(touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)