Colossians 4:10-14 - Commendations and greetings

In these six verses Paul mentioned six friends and companions in his ministry. First, he sent greetings to the Colossians from Aristarchus, whom he said was a fellow prisoner.  Aristarchus was probably arrested with Paul or had volunteered to be imprisoned with Paul. Acts 19:29 tells us that he was dragged off by the mob that was incited by Demetrius who came against Paul’s ministry at Ephesus. We also know from Acts 27:2 that he was a Macedonian from Thessalonica.      

Next, Paul mentioned Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. Mark was involved in the first missionary journey of Paul but deserted the team in that trip. He and the apostle probably had some dispute but they were apparently solved before Paul wrote this letter. So here he left instruction for the Colossians to welcome him when he arrived at Colossae. This could serve to introduce Mark to them.

In verse 11, Paul mentioned a fellow by the name of Jesus who was also called Justus. He was telling the Colossians that among the workers with him, Justus together with Aristarchus, and Mark, were Jews. He made reference to them as Jews who had brought him much encouragement.

In verses 12-13. Paul cited Epaphras, who was probably the one who had brought the Gospel to the Colossians. Like Onesimus, he was from Colossae. Paul had earlier called him a beloved fellow bond-servant and faithful servant (Colossians 1:7).  Here Paul said that Epaphras was a prayer warrior who prayed intensively for the believers at Colossae. And Epaphras’ desire was to see the Colossians stand perfect in faith and fully convinced and established in God’s will for them. In verse 13, Paul could gladly attest to the fact that Epaphras had deep concerns for the believers in the Lycus Valley. (Colossae, Laodecea and Hieropolis were three neighboring cities located in the Lycus valley.)

Here Paul included two others: Luke and Demas. Luke was a physician and his traveling companion. He wrote both the Gospel of Luke and Acts. Demas was briefly mentioned here. Perhaps this brief mention of Demas was a hint that he was already backsliding. We are told in 2 Timothy 4:10 that being in love with the world, Demas deserted Paul.    

The effectiveness in the work of God rests in team work. Paul had a great team and each member played a different role. As the team leader, Paul knew where the strength of each one of them was, so he deployed them accordingly. He also commended them wherever appropriate. Let’s learn from these commendations and greetings of Paul, to be team players in the work of the Gospel and discharge our roles for God’s glory!