A Salutation for His Friends

(7) As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. (8) For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts; (9) and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here. (10) Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him); (11) and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. (12) Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. (13) For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. (14) Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas. (15) Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. (16) When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. (17) Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” (18) I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you. (Col 4:7-18)

As we end our study in Colossians, we end with Paul entrusting the welfare of the churches in and around Colossae to faithful men of God. Even though he personally had never visited the Colossian church, he wanted to make sure they would receive these men as brothers in Christ, likely because he knew he would never be able to visit them.

Although there are names on this list that we know, there are others we will never truly know anything about this side of eternity. Regardless, Paul seems to have wanted to acknowledge them as what you might call ‘unsung heroes of the faith.’ MacArthur makes the point that these people “were indispensable assets to his ministry. He [Paul] knew that he could not do it [i.e., the ministry of an Apostle] alone; no one can. God’s leaders have always depended on others to support them in their work.” [1] As every leader knows, they are made more effective by the people that step up to help them. Paul knew this and that recognition must have meant something to these men, who had faithfully served at his side. Remember, Paul was in prison while writing this letter. So the people that helped him were his hands and feet as he attempted to shepherd, guide and correct these churches. His goal was always for every church to come to a full understanding of the Gospel of Jesus and to learn how to walk out their faith in Christ.

And R. C. Lucas makes another important point, “Underlying the entire Colossian letter is this desire of Paul’s that the closest possible links between himself and these churches should be forged. He wants them to realize how closely he is concerned for them, and how intimately he feels himself to be with them in their problems (cf. 2:1–5).” [2] And we have seen this through this study in Colossians. But it is also his ‘trademark.’ In virtually all of his epistles, Paul speaks directly to the person addressed or the people in the church receiving his letter.

Tychicus

As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts; (Col 4:7-8)

First, collectively, Paul seems to have meant to insure that each of these brothers in Christ would be welcomed by the church in Colossae. Each of them were friends of his but they were also just ordinary men who were helping Paul carry out the ministry he was called to. And it is the very same thing we see in churches all around the world. Far too often we think of leaders as ‘super saints’ but really they are just like the person you see in the mirror every single day.
“beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant” – For Paul, Tychicus was a beloved fellow Christian who had three qualities that he cherished: 1) he was a beloved brother in Christ who was willing to stay with Paul, a prisoner, even though Paul had enemies that wanted to kill him, 2) he was a faithful servant meaning he was serving in an important capacity for Paul in whatever he needed, and 3) fellow bond-servant which indicates that he and Paul had a unique relationship sharing in the same joys and sufferings.
Some historical background for Tychicus. “When Paul left Ephesus, he was accompanied by seven other believers—among them, Tychicus (Acts 20:4). These men were helping Paul deliver the love offering from the Gentile churches to the poor saints in Judea (1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8–9). It is possible that Tychicus and Trophimus were the two brethren Paul referred to in his Second Letter to the Corinthians (see 2 Cor. 8:19–24). Tychicus shared Paul’s Roman imprisonment and no doubt was helpful to him in many ways. Paul chose Tychicus and Onesimus to deliver the Ephesian letter (Eph. 6:21) and the Colossian letter (Col. 4:7–9). Of course, they also took the personal letter to Philemon. Paul instructed Tychicus to share with the Colossian Christians all the details of his situation there in Rome.” [3]

Onesimus

and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here. (Col 4:9)

Onesimus was also considered by Paul to be a faithful and beloved brother. He was a native of Colossae and is the same person who is mentioned in the letter to Philemon. He was a runaway slave but had become a Christian and was assisting Paul while he was in prison in Rome.
“Philemon [Onesimus’ master] was one of the leaders of the Colossian church, and it is likely that the church met in his home. Onesimus had been a slave in Philemon's household until he ran away and made his way to Rome. There he met the apostle Paul, who led him to Christ. Now he was returning to Colossae and his master. Paul wrote to urge Philemon to forgive Onesimus for running away and defrauding him and to welcome Onesimus as a brother in Christ.” [4]

Aristarchus

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; (Col 4:10a)

There is not a lot known about Aristarchus, but what we know about him is that he was a Jew and a Thessalonian. He was Paul’s companion in his travels on his third missionary journey (Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2). According to Acts 27:2, he accompanied Paul on his voyage to Rome and appears to have been imprisoned with him. According to Barnes, “As he held the same sentiments as Paul, and was united with him in his travels and labours, it was natural that he should be treated in the same manner. He, together with Gaius, had been seized in the tumult at Ephesus and treated with violence, but he adhered to the apostle in all his troubles, and attended him in all his perils.” [5]
Warren Wiersbe provided some further detail, “Aristarchus stayed with Paul no matter what the circumstances were—a riot in Ephesus, a voyage, a storm, or even a prison.” But Wiersbe differs from many other commentators since he did not believe that “fellow prisoner” did not indicate that he was imprisoned with Paul in Rome. And he added this, “Aristarchus stands out as one of the greatest of Paul’s helpers. He did not look for an easy task. He did not run when the going got tough. He suffered and labored with Paul.” [6]

Mark

and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him); (Col 4:10b)

Albert Barnes and John MacArthur remind us all that Mark had been the source of a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. Although he’d been a companion on Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 12:25), he had abandoned them (Acts 15:37-39). That desertion created the friction between Paul and Barnabas that caused them to separate. Years later Paul and Mark reconciled and by the time Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians Mark became a changed man in Paul’s eyes and restored to usefulness, most likely through the ministry of Peter (1 Pet 5:13). “Paul named him among his fellow workers [Phm 1:24]. The man whom Paul had once rejected became one of his greatest helpers. In 2 Tim 4:11, Paul tells Timothy to ‘pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.” [7] [8]

Justus

and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. (Col 4:11)

The phrase ‘from the circumcision’ meant that he, Mark and Aristarchus were Jewish or had converted before becoming a Christians. Paul groups the three together and says that they have been an encouragement to him. It may have been important for Paul to have fellow Jews on this missionary trip because of the opposition that the Jews presented to the gospel being preached throughout the region.

Epaphras

Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. (Col 4:12-13)

Epaphras was already mentioned in Col 1:7 (“just as you learned it from Epaphras”), and a member of the Colossian church and even most likely its pastor, he was also the likely founder of the church. Paul makes a point to encourage the Colossians that he was always wrestling in prayer for them (Col 4:2). He was deeply concerned for their welfare, just as he had the same concern for the churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
As Curtis Vaughan stated in his commentary, “He was concerned that they stand firm, mature, and fully convinced in relation to everything God wills. Undoubtedly he had in mind the danger of their wavering under the influence of the heretical teaching at Colosse.” [9]

Luke

Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, (Col 4:14a)

It would seem that Luke was likely Paul’s personal physician as well as a close friend. As this is Paul’s second missionary journey, he may have taken Luke because of his recurring illnesses during his first missionary trip (Gal 4:13-14; 2 Cor 12:7-9). As we know, Luke was the author of the Gospel of Luke, as well as the Acts of the Apostles. MacArthur points out, “Like Paul, he was an educated, cultured man, as evidenced by the quality of his Greek in his Gospel and the book of Acts. His conversations with Paul were undoubtedly stimulating.” [10] Luke seems to have “stood firm not only in this earlier imprisonment but also in Paul’s latter imprisonment.” [11]

Demas

and also Demas. (Col 4:14b)

Demas’ distinction is less about his reference here in Colossians and more about his reference in 2 Tim 4:10, which says of Demas, “for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.” So, he was assumed to be a faithful laborer in Christ with Paul here, otherwise he would not have been mentioned, but later abandoned Paul because of his love of this present world. One commentator speculated that maybe he was beginning to show his true character that would later cause him to desert Paul and the ministry.
Sometimes leaders today are shocked and embarrassed when they are abandoned by their most trusted helpers, just as Jesus had His Judas and Paul had his Demas. Sometimes the leader did nothing wrong; sometimes people allow themselves to be pulled away from ministry. That seems to be the case for Demas.

Conclusion

Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you. (Col 4:15-18)

First, Paul was not only sending this letter to the church at Colossae but also to the church at Laodicea as well. Verse 16 tells us that this letter was to be read first to the Colossian church and then to the church in Laodicea. And, the letter that was previously sent to Laodicea was to be read in Colossae. Unfortunately, the letter to Laodicea has been lost to time, but as Max Anders points out, “it must have had some significance for all believers in the Lychus valley.” [12]
There was also a greeting for Nympha (feminine) or Nymphas (masculine). This highlights a very minor variant in the Colossians manuscripts for this word. It was either a man or a woman, but the ‘church’ was in this person's home and Paul wanted to greet this person because of the loving sacrifice they had extending to all the believers attending this home based church. (Note: there are a number of scholars that believe the feminine form is the most accurate.)

According to Curtis Vaughan, “The reference to the church in Nympha’s ‘house’ is significant. There were, of course, no church buildings in apostolic times, and in the NT, ‘church’ always designates an assembly of believers, never the place where they met. [13] This might be one of the most significant aspects of what the “church” actually means in Scripture. Too many people see “church” as an institution rather than a collection of believers in a local place.

Another important point is made by Peter O’Brien, “This verse provides important evidence for the public reading of Paul’s letters in church and the exchange of letters between churches. If the so-called ‘heresy’ [Gnosticism] was threatening the whole area it would have been helpful for the Laodiceans to know Paul’s response sent to Colosse.” [14]

Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” (Col 4:17)

A number of commentators have speculated that he may have been the son of Philemon and Apphia and even possibly the pastor of the church that met in their home. There is not enough information to really determine this for sure, but the message being passed to him has been seen as a strong but encouraging message for him. Max Anders stated, “Perhaps he needed this word of encouragement so as not to give up in the face of the fierce battle with the false teachers.” [15]
Warren Wiersbe said, “Was Archippus discouraged? Had the gnostic false teachers invaded his church and created problems for him? We do not know. But we do know that pastors of local churches face many problems and carry many burdens, and they often need a word of encouragement.” [16]
Wiersbe also added this, “Paul reminded Archippus that his ministry was a gift from God, and that he was a steward of God who would one day have to give an account of his work. Since the Lord gave him his ministry, the Lord could also help him carry it out in the right way. Ministry is not something we do for God; it is something God does in and through us. The word fulfill carries with it the idea that God has definite purposes for His servants to accomplish. He works in us and through us to complete those good works that He has prepared for us (see Eph. 2:10).” [17] Far too often, believers forget that they are not alone, or that their struggles arenot against flesh and blood, but they are against the principalities and powers (Eph 6:12) Satan inspires in his attempt to destroy the work of God in this world. Paul was simply reminding him of ‘who he works for.’

I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you. (Col 4:18)

It was customary for Paul to have someone record his letters but to add a greeting with his own hand (1 Cor 16:21; 2 Th 3:17; Phm 1:19). This seems to be a sign of authenticity that the letter came from him. He then asks them to remember his imprisonment which would seem to be another appeal for their continued prayers for him. He then ends his letter with his desire to see God’s grace be with them continually.

(7) Tychicus will give you full information about my affairs; [he is] a much-loved brother and faithful ministering assistant and fellow servant [with us] in the Lord. (8) I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are faring and that he may comfort and cheer and encourage your hearts. (9) And with [him is] Onesimus, [our] faithful and beloved brother, who is [one] of yourselves. They will let you know everything that has taken place here [in Rome]. (10) Aristarchus my fellow prisoner wishes to be remembered to you, as does Mark the relative of Barnabas. You received instructions concerning him; if he comes to you give him a [hearty] welcome. (11) And [greetings also from] Jesus, who is called Justus. These [Hebrew Christians] alone of the circumcision are among my fellow workers for [the extension of] God’s kingdom, and they have proved a relief and a comfort to me. (12) Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. [He is] always striving for you earnestly in his prayers, [pleading] that you may [as persons of ripe character and clear conviction] stand firm and mature [in spiritual growth], convinced and fully assured in everything willed by God. (13) For I bear him testimony that he has labored hard in your behalf and for [the believers] in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis. (14) Luke the beloved physician and Demas salute you. (15) Give my greetings to the brethren at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the assembly (the church) which meets in her house. (16) And when this epistle has been read before you, [see] that it is read also in the assembly (the church) of the Laodiceans, and also [see] that you yourselves in turn read the [letter that comes to you] from Laodicea. (17) And say to Archippus, See that you discharge carefully [the duties of] the ministry and fulfill the stewardship which you have received in the Lord. (18) I, Paul, [add this final] greeting, writing with my own hand. Remember I am still in prison and in chains. May grace (God’s unmerited favor and blessing) be with you! Amen (so be it).

The Amplified Bible (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1987), Col 4:7–18.

Footnotes

R. C. Lucas, Fullness & Freedom: The Message of Colossians & Philemon, The Bible Speaks Today (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980), pp. 176–179.
Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 149.
Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians, ed. Robert Frew (London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885), p. 284.
Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), p. 150.
Curtis Vaughan, “Colossians,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians through Philemon, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1981), pp. 223-224.
Norman L. Geisler, “Colossians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), p. 685.
Max Anders, Galatians-Colossians, vol. 8, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), p. 348.
Curtis Vaughan, “Colossians,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians through Philemon, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1981), p. 225.
Peter T. O’Brien, “Colossians,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), p. 1276.
Max Anders, Galatians-Colossians, vol. 8, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), p. 348.
Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), p. 153.
Ibid, p. 153.

The primary sources for this study use J. Hampton Keathley III, Paul’s Letter to the Colossians: An Exegetical and Devotional Commentary, from bible.org, Copyright ©1996-2020 Bible.org, and all attributions are reprinted with permission granted by bible.org, and John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Colossians & Philemon, (Moody Bible Institute: ©1992).

This study uses many of the commentaries, dictionaries and the Greek Lexicon which are all part of 'The Online Bible', Computer Program, © 2023, Larry Pierce, https://www.onlinebible.net/, unless otherwise referenced. See Colossians Bible Study for full attribution. All word definitions are from either Strong's and/or part of the Online Bible Program.

All Scriptures quotes are from the New American Standard Bible, 1995 Revision, unless otherwise noted. Verse links from Blue Letter Bible.

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