In this letter to the believers in Colosse and Laodicea Paul wanted to serve a warning to those in Christ, that all should hold steadfast as each one works out his or her salvation. Because they were constantly exposed to Greek philosophers and gnostics who preached a gospel based on works or knowledge or other unfounded channel that all lead straight to hell.
Having reached the conclusion of his epistle, Paul now puts away rebuke instead gives praise to God for his audience and fellow laborers in Christ. The apostle announces Tychicus and Onesimus as anointed carriers of good news.
“7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.” (Colossians 4:7-9)
Tychicus was one of Paul’s closest friends as well as an anointed evangelist, with Onesimus, the slave turned servant in Christ. Both men are believed to have been entrusted with Paul’s letters to the Ephesians and Colossians both, as well as a letter intended for Philemon, a brother in christ and previous master of Onesimus. Along with the letters both missionaries carried news about Paul and the apostle’s ministry.
“10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.” (Colossians 4:10-11)
Paul lists other fellow laborers in Christ who all had walked with the apostle both physically and spiritually. Aristarchus had been in prison with Paul and traveled together from Jerusalem to Rome. The apostle Mark is also praised which presumes reconciliation between he and Paul, certainly an underlined message for Christians to learn and grow from. Believers in Colosse should consider Mark as they would Paul himself, in spite of previous issues between both apostles.
“12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.” (Colossians 4:12-13)
Paul praises Epaphras for his passion and works in the name of Jesus Christ, and for the church planted in Colosse. Through this church many would be born again through faith in Christ and redemption of sins by the almighty creator. The Colossian church would serve as a refining stone under Paul’s authority, for the glory of God. The apostle’s hope and prayer for the believers in Colosse and Laodicea would have them hold steadfast in the Lord as Christians await the triumphant return of the Savior of man.
“14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.” (Colossians 4:14-15)
The apostle now gives thanks to God for the apostle Luke, the former Gentile physician and historian, Demas who was now serving from Thessalonica and Nymphas, a Laodicea based church leader appointed by Paul.
“16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” (Colossians 4:16-17)
Paul instructs the Colossians to share his letter with the Laodiceans as they were included in this letter not only to be rebuked but also lifted up through praise and edification. Paul mentions the preacher Archippus, that he should continue to walk the narrow path as he spreads the gospel throughout the region.
“18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.” (Colossians 4:18)
Even though Paul dictated his letters to scribes, it was important for him to sign each one himself. In his salutation he reminds his audience of his chains, his suffering for the Lord.
Colossians is a book by which believers should gain wisdom and strength as each one of us encounters the enemy along our divinely appointed walk. Paul calls on those in Christ to treat each other with the same respect we expect from God upon judgment day. The apostle also commands is to fill our minds with the love of God and the truth about His only begotten son, Jesus Christ. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
