Vs. 7-9 - Tychicus, a dear brother, faithful minister, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your hearts. I sent him with Onesimus, the faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
- Two fellow workers with Paul and Timothy were being sent to the people of Colossae to cheer them up and give them all the news, and exhortation. Note: not counting Timothy there are ten (10) workers listed in this letter. (1) Tychicus (name means 'chance') is mentioned in Acts 20, so is a long time helper with Paul. (2) Onesimus is perhaps more 'famous' because he was a slave, owned by Philemon. Onesimus runs away, eventually meets up with Paul and is converted. Paul convinces him to return voluntarily to Philemon (see the letter to Philemon). Onesimus and Tychicus are given the important jobs of delivering news to the churches in Macedonia area.
Vs. 10-14 - Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him). And Jesus who is called Justus also sends greetings. In terms of Jewish converts, these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you and a slave of Christ, greets you. He is always struggling in prayer on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I can testify that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. Our dear friend Luke the physician and Demas greet you.- further listing of fellow workers (3) Aristarchus, (4) Mark - the author of the gospel; (5) Justus; (6) Epaphras; (7) Luke - author of the gospel and Acts; (8) Demas.
- Note: Epaphras worked hard for the church at Colossae, which he probably started. He prayed earnestly for them because of his concern for them and they might become mature in Christ. Mark served with Paul and Barnabas until a disagreement between Pauls and Barnabas arose concerning Mark. Paul and Barnabas part ways. Paul begins working with Silas, Mark leaves with Barnabas; they are cousins, so the Christian faith must have been shared in their family. See: Acts 15. Some time later, Paul and Mark resolve their differences, and Mark joins Paul in his ministry.
- Two more workers for Christ added to the list: (9) Nympha, (10) Archippus.
- "Nympha" - A woman sited as a founder, or at least a supporter of the New Testament church. Although Jewish tradition and also the surrounding culture did not really recognize women as 'people', the church founded on Christ definitely has a significant role for them. The ministry of the church elevates women from the time that Jesus starts His ministry, even before His death and resurrection. Mary, Martha, Mary Magdalene, the Samaritan woman at the well are all significant to His ministry.
To whom did Jesus first appear after the resurrection? - A woman, Mary.
Following up, the Apostles did not shun or berate women for their contribution. Women hold prominent places in the early church - see Acts, and the letters written by Paul and others.
Archippus is also listed in the letter to Philemon, and called a good soldier for Christ.
Final instructions "Read this letter and pass it on. Read the other letter when it arrives" I don't think that second letter was kept and preserved to be considered for the canon. And lastly an encouraging word for Archippus, "Don't forget you have been called into the ministry, be sure to do it always."
End of Letter
note 1: The Bible Study NOtes for Col. 4:2-6 got posted in Jan. 2016 - ?! - No, I don’t know why or how. Ain’t technology wonderful - when it works...
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