Colossians 4:14 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.
Paul had done everything he could to let the church at Colossae know how he was doing, and to encourage them to not view his being in prison as something for them to feel bad about for him, nor to cause them fear for their own safety. He has mentioned several names of fellow servants who stood with him, and whom were praying for them as well. As he closes this letter he gets to some of the closest associates he had and they had. Besides Timothy, his co-writer, Luke was with Paul, both tending to Paul's physical needs and serving as recorder. On their side of things was Archippus, who had been called to Pastor. God had leaders there at the church to make up for Paul's absence. They also had nearby churches, like at Laodicea. These congregations could and should work together to encourage one another and keep each other accountable, just as individual believers should do. As one last touch, Paul takes the pen in his own hand to confirm everything written above as coming from him as the Lord's servant, giving one last request for prayer, and to remind them that the grace of God in Christ was more than enough for any challenge.
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