Philemon 1:1, 2

I find it interesting how Paul opens his letter with calling himself a prisoner of Christ Jesus.  Not the Romans, not the gentiles, and not sin.  He is a prisoner of Christ Jesus.

This can be taken several ways.  Held captive by God's amazing love.  We can only have one master and he chose Jesus.  Or even because he follows Jesus, he is a prisoner.  I prefer the first, but I want you to be aware of all the possible layers that do exist here.

Then he says who this letter is to.  Again the use of, dare I say, titles.  Philemon is stressed as a friend, but is also a laborer.  Apphia is loved.  Archippus is a soldier.  What does this tell you of their roles in the Christian community (notice I didn't say church).

Everyone has their own work that they do for God.  We each have our own abilities or skills.  Gifts.  Philemon is, it appears, a hard worker who does his best to support the others.  I would call Apphia someone that helps meet peoples emotional needs because people I would call beloved are the ones who listen to and encourage me.  Maybe I am wrong there though since the Bible doesn't really talk about her.  Then there is Archippus who is a soldier.  A soldier.  He fights for the truth to reach others.  Whatever the personal stories of each of these members lives were, we know for certain they each had a role for Jesus.

We also each have a role and we won't be similar to others.  I have heard some amazing testimonies of how God has talked to or worked through people around me.  To tell you the truth, some of their burdens I wouldn't be able to handle so well.  He has a special work for me that is fitted to me.  Just like He has one for you that is fitted to you.