Colossians 4:7-18

Final Greetings

7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant[a] in the Lord.
8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our[b] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)
11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews[c] among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.
15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Colossians 4:7-18 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO COLOSSIANS 4

This chapter begins with an exhortation to masters to behave towards their servants in a just and equitable manner, from the consideration of their having a master in heaven, which should have concluded the preceding one; and in it the apostle gives some general exhortations, and some particular instructions about reading this, and another epistle, and stirring up their minister to his duty; and great part of it is taken up in expressing his love to the Colossians, and in the salutations of others, and of himself. The general exhortations are to prayer, with watchfulness and thankfulness, not only for themselves, but especially for the ministers of the Gospel, Col 4:2-4 and next to a wise behaviour towards them that were of the world, Col 4:5 and also to a prudent conversation, particularly in language, with everyone, Col 4:6. And then the apostle proceeds to declare his great affection for them, and care of them, which he showed by sending two proper persons to them from him, partly to make known his affairs to them, and partly to know the state and condition they were in, and comfort them, Col 4:7-9 and next follow the salutations of various persons to them, who are mentioned by name, and whose characters are given, Col 4:10-15. And then he orders them to read this epistle in the church of Laodicea, and also that which came from that place, Col 4:16 and to admonish Archippus to take heed to, and fulfil his ministry, since it was what he had received in the Lord, Col 4:17. And then closes the epistle with his own salutation and benediction, entreating a remembrance of him and his bonds, Col 4:18.

Cross References 25

  • 1. S Acts 20:4
  • 2. Ephesians 6:21,22; Colossians 1:7
  • 3. Ephesians 6:21,22; Colossians 2:2
  • 4. Philemon 10
  • 5. ver 12
  • 6. S Acts 19:29
  • 7. S Acts 12:12
  • 8. S Acts 4:36
  • 9. S Philippians 2:25
  • 10. Colossians 1:7; Philemon 23
  • 11. ver 9
  • 12. S Romans 15:30
  • 13. S 1 Corinthians 2:6
  • 14. S Colossians 2:1
  • 15. 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 24
  • 16. 2 Timothy 4:10; Philemon 24
  • 17. S Colossians 2:1
  • 18. S Romans 16:5
  • 19. 2 Thessalonians 3:14; S 1 Timothy 4:13
  • 20. Philemon 2
  • 21. 2 Timothy 4:5
  • 22. S 1 Corinthians 16:21
  • 23. Hebrews 13:3
  • 24. S Acts 21:33
  • 25. 1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy 4:22; Titus 3:15; Hebrews 13:25

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. Or "slave" ; also in verse 12
  • [b]. Some manuscripts "that he may know about your"
  • [c]. Greek "only ones of the circumcision group"
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