Colossians 5:15-18 - Closing thoughts

Who was Nympha? In verse 15, we learnt that she hosted a church in her house. Whether the whole church or part of the church in Laodicea met in her house, we are not clear. However, we are told in this verse that Paul sent greetings to the believers in Laodicea, and those meeting in her house and to her personally. Apart from this verse, there is no mention of her anywhere else in the New Testament.

In verse 16, Paul gave instruction that this letter he had written should be read to the believers, most likely in their worship service. And it should also be read to the church in Laodicea. Paul also talked about a letter written to the church in Laodicea that would be coming to them soon. He also instructed that, that letter should be read to the Colossians too. These letters were like the messages given in worship services today. In these epistles, the people were taught the Word of God.

In verse 17, Paul gave a personal word to Archippus. Who was he? It was suggested that he could be the son of Philemon and Apphia. The apostle exhorted him to discharge the ministry entrusted to him by the Lord. It was a personal message that he should take heed to do. It could well be that he was disheartened and wanted to relinquish the work he was called to do. Paul commanded him to continue and complete the work he had been given.

Most of Paul’s letters were dictated to a scribe who would write them. He would then pen a few closing words with his own hand to lend authenticity to the letter. Here he also did that. Like all of his letters, this one was also written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Thus it is divine instruction for faith and practice. Paul also reminded them that he was in chain. It was a gentle call to keep him in prayer.

And just as he had started with sending to them the grace of God, he now closed with ‘Grace be with you.’ It has been grace that had started many of us in our Christian journey and it will also be grace that will see us through.

We need this grace, this divine enablement to help us end strong and gloriously for the Lord. Like Isaac Watt said in his song, Amazing Grace, “…this grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” Let’s rely on God’s grace to see us through each challenge in life but let’s also remember to bring our needs before God in prayer.