Saturday, November 18, 2023

The Place to Be #79


Colossians 4:10 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

As Paul continues to wrap up his letter, it's like credits at the end of the movie, listing those who were ore "behind the scenes" in the ministry of the gospel.  In this case, Paul is sending greetings on their behalf.  This also would be a comfort to the Colossian Christians, reassuring them that Paul was not "all alone" in prison suffering.  The Lord was providing support and practical encouragement through these faithful fellow-workers.  It appears that Aristarchus was also in prison for the Gospel; John Mark had at this point been restored in fellowship with Paul and was one of the team; Jesus Justus was a fellow Jewish Christian who was possibly sent by the Jerusalem church.   Epaphras was more well known to them and therefore offered a more specific call to maturity; Paul also assures them that he had been working hard in furthering the Gospel. They may have sent Epaphras to Paul for that very purpose.  Each and every one of these men was meaningful in Paul's life and the ministry of the Gospel.  It takes a team, a body, a crew, just like any blockbuster would. 

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