Albert Barnes Commentary Philippians 4:22

"All the saints salute you, especially they that are of Caesar`s household." — Philippians 4:22 (ASV)

All the saints salute you (Philippians 4:22). All in Rome, where this epistle was written. No individuals are specified, perhaps because none of the Christians at Rome were personally known to the church at Philippi. They would, however, feel a deep interest in a church that, as a result, had the confidence and affection of Paul. There is reason to believe that the bonds of affection among the churches then were much stronger than they are now. There was a generous warmth in the newness of Christian affections—the first ardor of love—and the common trials to which they were exposed would serve to bind them closely together.

Chiefly they that are of Caesar's household (Philippians 4:22). This refers to the household of Nero, who was the reigning emperor at that time. The name Caesar was given to all the emperors after Julius Caesar, just as Pharaoh was the common name for the kings of Egypt. The phrase used here—"the household of Caesar"—may refer to the emperor's relatives, and it is certainly possible that some of them had been converted to Christianity. However, it does not necessarily refer to those related to him. It may instead apply to his servants or to some of the officers of the court who were more closely employed around his person. Since it is more probable that some of these individuals would be converted than his own relatives, it is safer to suppose that they were intended. (See the note on Philippians 1:13).