Colossians 4:7–18 (NKJV)
7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.
Colossians 4:7-15
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.
Paul sums up his letter to the Christians at Colosse with a final greeting from all the Christians in his service in Rome. He names several people known to the Colossians and also their pastor, Epaphrus. He names Luke the physician, a long-time companion on Paul’s missionary journeys, who wrote Luke and Acts in the New Testament. This type of greeting was typical, but in this letter is a bit more extensive, as Paul has formed quite a network in Rome, including some Jews and many Gentiles.
16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
Colossians 4:16-18
18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
Paul gives a few final instructions regarding the reading of this letter, and the need to share it with Laodicea, and read the Laodicean letter as well. He speaks of Archippus, wanting them to offer an encouraging word from Paul concerning his ministry. Finally, he shows them the love and care he has for them by writing this letter with his own hand, asking them for their prayers for him, and then speaking a blessing of grace over them. This part of the letter does not delve into many deeply theological topics, but it does help the Colossians feel Paul’s love, his desire for a meaningful relationship with them, and his oversight and instruction toward them so that they may grow in their walk with Christ. Paul, ever the caring pastor, reaches out to people he has never seen with his eyes and cares for them. This is the example of the pastor of Asia Minor and Europe in the early church. This is an example we can follow.
Devoted To You 