Colossians 4:11

11 And Jesus that is called Justus: who are of the circumcision. These only are my helpers, in the kingdom of God: who have been a comfort to me.

Colossians 4:11 Meaning and Commentary

Colossians 4:11

And Jesus, which is called Justus
The former of these names is the same with Joshua, and was very frequent with the Jews, and the later a surname that was sometimes given to men remarkable for holiness and righteousness: so Joseph, called Barsabas, is surnamed Justus, ( Acts 1:23 ) and James, the brother of our Lord, was called by the Jews James the Just F13: whether this man was not the same with Justus of Corinth, whose house joined to the synagogue, and into which Paul entered, ( Acts 18:7 ) is not certain, but is likely: who are of the circumcision; were Jews, were circumcised persons, though not now sticklers for circumcision, and the rest of the ceremonies, as appears by what follows: this is to be understood of all the above persons, that sent their salutations to this church; though some confine it to Marcus, Barnabas's sister's son, and to Jesus, called Justus:

these only are my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God;
who assisted him in preaching the Gospel of the kingdom of God, and in promoting the honour and interest of Christ. These were the only persons of the Jewish nation that were then at Rome under that character; from whence it appears that Peter was not there at that time: the apostle adds,

which have been a comfort unto me;
under his afflictions and sufferings, by visiting him, conferring with him, praying for him, communicating to him, and labouring in the Gospel in his room and stead.


FOOTNOTES:

F13 Euseb. Eccl. Hist. l. 2. c. 1.

Colossians 4:11 In-Context

9 With Onesimus, a most beloved and faithful brother, who is one of you. All things that are done here, they shall make known to you.
10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, saluteth you: and Mark, the cousin german of Barnabas, touching whom you have received commandments. If he come unto you, receive him.
11 And Jesus that is called Justus: who are of the circumcision. These only are my helpers, in the kingdom of God: who have been a comfort to me.
12 Epaphras saluteth you, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, who is always solicitous for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and full in all the will of God.
13 For I bear him testimony that he hath much labour for you and for them that are at Laodicea and them at Hierapolis.
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