The Greek Apphia (Ἀπφία) is a Phrygian feminine name meaning 'fruitful' or possibly a term of endearment. She is addressed in Paul's letter to Philemon as 'our sister Apphia' — almost certainly the wife of Philemon and mother of the household church in Colossae. She is one of only a handful of women named in the Pauline letter openings.
Apphia's inclusion in Philemon's opening address is theologically significant: Paul writes not just to Philemon the master but to Apphia 'our sister' and the whole church in Philemon's house — making the letter about Onesimus not just a private affair but a community matter. The decision to receive back a runaway slave as 'a dear brother, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord' (Phlm 16) would affect the whole household church. By naming Apphia, Paul acknowledges her voice and stake in this decision. The gospel of reconciliation requires the whole community's participation. Tradition in Colossae honored both Philemon and Apphia as martyrs.