Colossians 4:7-14·~1 min

Greetings from Paul’s Fellow Workers

Paul says that Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister, will tell the Colossians everything about him and that he has sent him to encourage their hearts. Onesimus goes with him as a faithful and beloved brother from among them, and together they will tell the church all that is happening.

T⁷ychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. ⁸I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts. ⁹With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

Paul passes on greetings from Aristarchus, Mark, and Jesus called Justus, noting that these fellow workers from the circumcision have been a comfort to him for the kingdom of God.

¹⁰My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him. ¹¹Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

Epaphras, one of their own and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings and is described as always struggling in prayer that they may stand mature and fully assured in all God's will, with concern also for Laodicea and Hierapolis. Paul also passes greetings from Luke the beloved physician and from Demas.

¹²Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God. ¹³For I testify about him that he goes to great pains for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. ¹⁴Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings.

Section summaryPaul commends Tychicus and Onesimus as faithful brothers who will report on his circumstances and encourage the church. He then relays greetings from Aristarchus, Mark, Jesus Justus, Epaphras, Luke, and Demas, highlighting Epaphras especially for his constant struggle in prayer that the Colossians might stand mature and fully assured in God's will.

Role in the chapterThis middle section reveals the web of relationships around Paul's ministry. It shows the church held together by messengers, coworkers, prayer, encouragement, and remembered names.