Section V Farewell

Colossians 4:7-18

The number and importance of the subjects dealt with in such depth and in so few words in this Epistle are staggering. Paul had outside help—help from above. It is no less apparent in this concluding passage. These verses speak of the close fellowship of the believers. Each one is consumed by the same interests; all are interdependent members of Christ's body. There is deep mutual regard for each other, as indicated by such words as comfort (8), labouring (12), beloved (14).

Paul gives a clear insight into the spirit of these men. They are filled with faithfulness (7), love (9), forgiveness (10), prayer and devotion (12), and zeal (13). The list of noble traits is long.

Elements of worship in the Early Church are also revealed. They met in their own homes (15). They sang hymns and gospel songs (3:16). They read the Scriptures (16), offered fervent prayers (12), and ministered to each other within the Christian circle according to their abilities (8,14).

These were men consumed by a sense of mission and destiny. They are called (17), sent (8), servants (deacons, 12), responsible in redemptive matters (12, 17) even unto imprisonment (10).

Further, the individual is not lost in the new spiritual community. The identity and role of each person are preserved. They are prayers, physicians, preachers, givers, messengers, servants, and sufferers. Each does his duty with varying intensity (12-13). The types of personality are shown by the characteristics and labors of each. Their relationships are close and continuing (10).

The greetings are noble and affectionate, adapted to each person mentioned. Paul, with honest appraisal and accurate estimate of all (note the reserve in speaking of Demas, v. 14), points up his respect for each individual. One would infer that he has power to evoke the highest loyalty and service from other men.

The letter carries Paul's signature written by his own hand (18). There is a simple request, and a final prayer that the highest and best which God has to offer may be theirs.

The apostle makes his appropriate comments by noting the individuals in order; first the messengers, then the fellow Jews who are with him, and finally the Gentiles.

A. THE ADDRESSERS, 4:7-14

1. Messengers (4:7-9)

a. Tychicus (4:7-8). Tychicus is the messenger carrying the letter and he will supplement the written message with his own verbal report (Eph. 6:21). He is technically not a deacon,¹ but is mentioned five times in the New Testament (Acts 20:4-5; Eph. 6:21; II Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:12; and here). His mission is two-fold, to give a report from Paul and to gain information for the apostle; this seems to be the intent of the words know your estate (8). Tychicus is called a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord. The relationship between Paul and this fellow Christian is determined by their relation to the Lord—they are both in Christ.

b. Onesimus (4:9). Onesimus is the slave of Philemon, recently converted and thus a faithful and beloved brother. He is returning to his master in company with Tychicus. Paul says to the church at Colossae, He is now one of you. The apostle thus vouches for Onesimus' Christian experience and inclusion in the mystical body of Christ. Though a slave, he is a new man in Christ. He, too, has a testimony and a report to make known.

2. Fellow Jews (4:10-11)

a. Aristarchus (4:10). Aristarchus, captured in the Ephesian uproar (Acts 19:29), is a prisoner with Paul in Rome. Some suggest that he is only a metaphorical prisoner. But this is hardly an acceptable conclusion in light of Acts 27:2, which states that he accompanied Paul to Rome.

b. Mark (4:10). Marcus (John Mark), a failure as recorded in Acts 13, is now restored, accepted, and recommended by the apostle.² Some must still hold reservations about him, but Paul would dispel them all (II Tim. 4:11). It is not known when or how the Colossians had received commandments. They may have been sent personally and orally by a messenger or conveyed in an earlier letter. Receive him is better translated, “welcome him.” Mark, unlike Demas, represents those fellow workers who will not give up.

c. Jesus (4:11). Jesus was a common name among the first-century Jews. It would be natural for a Christian to be hesitant to use this sacred name; hence among his fellow Christians he was called Justus. He, Aristarchus, and Mark are the only persons of the circumcision (Jews) with Paul. The question is raised why there were so few converted Jews. It may be lamentable that so few were faithful or it may be a cause for rejoicing that so few had been imprisoned. Fellowworkers unto the kingdom is better translated “fellow workers for the kingdom of God” (RSV). Paul says that they are a comfort to him.

3. Gentiles (4:12-14)

a. Epaphras (4:12-13). Epaphras is the pastor from Colossae (1:7-8). Here Paul gives his estimate of the man. He pene trates to the heart and mission of Epaphras—that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God (12). This is the pastor's prayer for the sanctification of his flock. Here also is an insight into what Paul considers most essential in the ministry (cf. 1:28). Once again the importance of prayer is shown. Labouring fervently (lit., agonizing, agonizomenos) for you in prayers (cf. 2:1) is like the agony of Christ in the Garden.³ Perfect (teleioi) in this reference means not only “complete” but it has a moral content also (cf. 1:28). Complete (a participle) modifies the will of God and calls to mind 2:10.⁴ It signifies full assurance (2:2) and entire commitment to the revelation given and to the will of God (1:9). Zeal (ponon; 13) signifies hard labor or pain.⁵ Aristarchus had a home mission concern. His ministry included churches in three communities—Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis.

b. Luke (4:14a). Luke, the beloved physician, joined the party at Troas (Acts 16:10). This is verified by the fact that the author of Acts (Luke) introduces the personal pronoun “we” for the first time at that point. The statement in v. 11 that only Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus are Jews is the chief evidence that Luke was a Gentile.⁶ Note that two Gospel writers (Mark and Luke) are with Paul. This intimate association assures accurate information and authoritative human sources for Paul's own writings.⁷ Note also that Luke is the only Gentile New Testament writer and that he was with Paul to the end (II Tim. 4:11).

c. Demas (4:14b). Colossians and Philemon (cf. v. 24) were written prior to the defection of Demas and the writing of II Timothy (II Tim. 4:10). At this writing (the Colossian letter) Paul says nothing about Demas, a singular silence suggesting doubt or fear concerning him.

B. THE ADDRESSEES, 4:15-17

Attention is now directed to the brethren of the Colossian and Laodicean churches.

1. Nymphas (4:15-16)

Nymphas was the leader or pastor of the Christian congregation in Laodicea. There are two possible readings for the pronoun describing the place where the church met. It can be either masculine or feminine; that is, his or “her” house.⁸ Since Paul is saluting brethren, the masculine seems to be the more appropriate form. It was a house church where the disciples worshiped (cf. Rom. 16:5; I Cor. 16:19). From v. 16 it is to be noted that the Colossian letter was to be read in both churches. In addition it appears that there was a letter addressed to Laodicea, which has been lost. Some suggest that the letter to the Ephesians is meant here. From Laodicea (16) must mean a letter from Paul written to Laodicea; it could hardly be a letter from Laodicea to Paul.⁹

2. Archippus (4:17).

Archippus was favored with a special message from Paul. It was a word of caution regarding his ministry which had been given in the Lord (cf. Philem. 2). Some suggest that Archippus needed this word of exhortation because he was lax.¹⁰ Perhaps Take heed (blepe, see) is a warning about the devious ways of the Gnostics.

C. SIGNATURE, 4:18

The salutation by the hand of Paul probably means that the apostle took the pen from his scribe and in his own handwriting added v. 18. In these closing words Paul reminds the Colossians of his suffering in their behalf. But remember my bonds is more than a call for sympathy. It is also a statement of his concern and calling under the Great Commission. It is he, their leader, who is bound. But we must recall that he is bound to Christ as well as bound by Rome.

Grace, unmerited favor from the Lord, is the sum of the gospel message. It is Paul's final prayer for Colossae.