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.
Comment: There are many names mentioned in this passage and I have marked them in different ways. The different markings indicate a grouping of people. Mark, Luke and Paul are all New Testament authors. Their writings are very significant for all believers and should be for all people! But none of them rested on their authorship laurels. Paul is in prison because of persecution for diligent work in spreading the gospel. Mark and Luke have travelled with Paul and are now in Rome as I understand it being visitors to Paul and also Paul’s mouth piece to the many believers in Rome! Tychicus and Onesimus are the messengers carrying the epistle to Colossae and the surrounds. You may remember that Onesimus was the runaway slave who stars in the personal letter which Paul wrote to Philemon! God can use anyone who surrenders to Him! Onesimus and Epaphras are linked together in that the record tells us that while travelling with Paul they are originally from Colossae! Epaphras, Justus and Demas. were Gentiles who in Rome were strong supporters of Paul and his Ministry. Demas later on deserted Paul, but, I think/hope, didn’t desert his faith. Like so many Christians today he had difficulty in accepting the hardship which being faithful to God’s calling and choose a less rigorous and half-hearted approach to their faith. Is that ever acceptable to God? Aristarchus was in prison with Paul for his faith. According to Christian tradition he was martyred by Nero. Nympha and Archippus are the only two people in Colossae specifically named although greetings are sent to the brethren! Nympha was obviously an influential woman of the faith and the mention of Archippus seems to me to have a bit of a gentle boot behind it! Forgive me Archippus if I mis-judge you! Paul signs off with his own signature!
Matt 5: 13-14 – “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. – some above had diminished saltiness.
Prayer: Help me to lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, and help me to run with endurance the race that is set before me, looking to Jesus.
As I read it! 