The term "fellowprisoner" appears in the New Testament and is used to describe individuals who shared imprisonment with the Apostle Paul due to their faith and ministry in Christ. This term highlights the camaraderie and shared suffering among early Christians who faced persecution for their beliefs.

Biblical References:

1. Romans 16:7 · "Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was."

In this passage, Paul refers to Andronicus and Junia as his "fellow prisoners." This indicates that they were not only his compatriots but also shared in the hardships of imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel. Their mention as being "outstanding among the apostles" suggests that their contributions to the early Church were significant, and their willingness to suffer for their faith was noteworthy.

2. Colossians 4:10 · "My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)"

Aristarchus is identified as a "fellow prisoner" with Paul, indicating that he was a close companion who endured imprisonment alongside the apostle. Aristarchus is mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament as a faithful co-worker in the ministry (Acts 19:29; Acts 20:4; Acts 27:2), demonstrating his commitment to the mission of spreading the Gospel despite the risks involved.

3. Philemon 1:23 · "Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings."

Epaphras is another individual whom Paul refers to as a "fellow prisoner." This designation underscores the bond between Paul and Epaphras, who is also described as a "servant of Christ Jesus" (Colossians 4:12). Epaphras's imprisonment with Paul signifies his dedication to the work of the Lord and his willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel.

Theological Significance:

The concept of being a "fellow prisoner" with Paul carries deep theological implications. It reflects the early Christian understanding of suffering as a shared experience in the body of Christ. The willingness of these individuals to endure imprisonment highlights their steadfast faith and commitment to the mission of the Church. Their example serves as an inspiration for believers to remain faithful in the face of persecution and to support one another in times of trial.

The term also emphasizes the communal aspect of the Christian faith, where believers are called to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to stand firm together in the face of adversity. The fellowship of suffering, as exemplified by Paul's fellow prisoners, is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the unity it brings among believers.

Historical Context:

During the first century, Christians often faced persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities. Imprisonment was a common consequence for those who preached the Gospel and defied the religious and political norms of the time. The mention of fellow prisoners in Paul's letters provides insight into the challenges faced by early Christians and the resilience required to maintain their faith under such circumstances.

The accounts of Paul's fellow prisoners serve as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the enduring hope found in Christ. Their accounts are preserved in Scripture as a testament to the faithfulness of those who have gone before and as an encouragement to persevere in the faith.4869. sunaichmalotos -- a fellow prisoner
... fellow prisoner. From sun and aichmalotos; a co-captive -- fellowprisoner. see GREEK
sun. see GREEK aichmalotos. (sunaichmalotos) -- 2 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4869.htm - 6kFellowprisoner (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fellowprisoner (2 Occurrences). ... Philemon 1:23 There
salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; (KJV). ...
/f/fellowprisoner.htm - 7k

Salute (48 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/s/salute.htm - 19k

Fellow-prisoner (2 Occurrences)
Fellow-prisoner. Fellowprisoner, Fellow-prisoner. Fellow-prisoners . ...
Fellowprisoner, Fellow-prisoner. Fellow-prisoners . Reference Bible.
/f/fellow-prisoner.htm - 7k

Fellow-partner (1 Occurrence)
Fellow-partner. Fellow-partakers, Fellow-partner. Fellowprisoner . ...
Fellow-partakers, Fellow-partner. Fellowprisoner . Reference Bible.
/f/fellow-partner.htm - 6k

Marcus (3 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/m/marcus.htm - 7k

Andronicus (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Man-conquering, a Jewish Christian, the kinsman and
fellowprisoner of Paul (Romans 16:7); "of note among the apostles.". Int. ...
/a/andronicus.htm - 8k

Saluteth (7 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/s/saluteth.htm - 8k

Sister's (7 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/s/sister's.htm - 9k

Touching (121 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/t/touching.htm - 37k

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