COLOSSIANS 4:7-11 - FAITHFUL FRIENDS

COLOSSIANS 4:7-11

FAITHFUL FRIENDS

Colossians 4:7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

Tychicus was a Gentile convert which helps to prove Paul’s point that the Gospel, salvation, is for the Gentile as well as the Jew. He had been with Paul on various occasions and was quite capable in ministry (Acts 20:4, 2 Timothy 4:12, Titus 3:12). Tychicus was Paul’s roving reporter, his messenger, entrusted to carry the letters to the Ephesians, Colossians, and his friend Philemon and to give them all a first-hand report of Paul’s well-being.

Colossians 4:8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

Paul sent Tychicus to re-assure the churches that he, Paul, was doing well and also to encourage, strengthen, and fortify the believers in Ephesus and Colossae.

Colossians 4:9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

Onesimus was a runaway slave from Colossae, but Paul had led him to the Lord. He was now sending him back to his owner, Philemon, along with a letter on his behalf. We will study that letter after Colossians. Stay tuned for more on Onesimus. He would be able to report on Paul’s work along with Tychicus.

Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) 11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

Aristarchas was a Jewish believer from Thessalonica (Acts 20:4, 27:2) and a companion of Paul in Ephesus, Jerusalem and Rome. Apparently, he was imprisoned in Rome along with Paul. Marcus (Mark) was the nephew of Barnabas, the encourager. Barnabas was the bridge for Paul’s acceptance into the church at Jerusalem. He had accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey. Paul and Mark had a falling out when Mark left in the middle of a missionary journey, but had re-connected by Paul’s imprisonment in Rome; and Mark was now a faithful encourager to his mentor. Jesus, known as Justus, was another Jewish believer and fellow-laborer. He exhorted Paul and ministered along-side him. These three men assisted and bolstered Paul up with the blessing of friendship, familyship. Paul instructed those who would read this letter to receive Mark if he came to them. This was his way of endorsing Mark’s ability to minister among them.

Question: What can we learn from Paul’s words about his fellow-believers? Were friendships valued by Paul? Does it surprise you that even Paul needed comfort and encouragement?