Paul's Prison Epistles: Paul And The PhilippiansSample

Onesimus as Petitioner: Philippians 4:21-23

The letter closes with Paul’s final greetings in Philippians 4:21-23. This section is fairly standard, although one aspect of these final greetings deserves special comment. 

Specifically, in Philippians 4:22, Paul sent greetings from the saints who belonged to Caesar’s household. In the ancient world, Caesar’s household included his family members and servants, whether or not they lived in the palace with him. And his servants were not limited to laborers; they also included his personal bodyguards, as well as many civil servants.

Now, the mention of Caesar’s household has caused many Bible interpreters to conclude that Paul wrote from Rome, where Caesar lived and governed an actual household. But we should not draw this conclusion too hastily. The fact is, all of Caesar’s civil servants and guards around the empire were reckoned as part of his household, including those stationed in Caesarea Maritima. 

Whatever the case, the mention of believers within Caesar’s household demonstrates that Paul’s imprisonment had not hindered his gospel ministry. On the contrary, Paul had continued to gain disciples, even among his jailors.