7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”
18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Colossians is a letter that was written by Paul (and Timothy) to the people of Colossae.
The main themes in this book:
Jesus is supreme and sufficient, over all things and all people. Paul reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus and to remember who we are because of Christ.
Colossians 4:7-18
Tychicus was a faithful companion of Paul and he is described as a beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord. He was a trusted messenger who delivered letters to the churches and encouraged believers in their faith. Paul calls Onesimus his own child, indicating the close relationship they had in Christ. Paul also sent Onesimus back to his master, Philemon, with a letter urging him to forgive and accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ. Both Tychicus and Onesimus were vital members of Paul’s ministry, serving in different but important ways.
3. Who were Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus, and what was their role in supporting Paul?
Aristarchus = a fellow prisoner who sends his greeting
Mark = Barnabas’s cousin who they are to welcome
Justus = also called Jesus
These three have been a comfort to Paul.
4. Look again at the passage, how many people are named? What does this show about the gospel?
Paul names so many people! He recognises their help in spreading the gospel. The people named are a mixture of people; different genders, ages, from different places, with different educational backgrounds and different jobs. This shows that the gospel is for everyone – not one type of person but for everyone!
5. Can you think of people in your church who remind you of the gospel and of how great Jesus is?
Have you reminded anyone of the gospel recently – whether by telling them something or by showing them love?
