This Sunday we will conclude our sermon series on Colossians. I trust that you have found our look at this remarkable letter to be helpful in your journey! We will be spending our time on Sunday looking at Colossians 4:2-6 and Paul’s teaching on our relationships with non-believers. If you know of someone who struggles with how to share Christ with their non-Christian coworkers, neighbors, and family, be sure to invite them to join you at the Bridge on Sunday! We’ll also be celebrating Father’s Day in some fun ways.
Colossians, of course, doesn’t end at verse 6. In Colossians 4:7-18 Paul concludes his letter by giving thanks to a whole bunch of folks who are co-laborers for the Gospel with him. This is something that Paul always does with his letters – giving thanks for his co-laborers (often by name). Although some of the names are familiar to us, many are not. So…who are these guys (and ladies)?
Since I won’t have time to mention this on Sunday, here’s a quick rundown of the crew mentioned in Colossians. They can be put into 3 groups:
Co-Laborers Delivering the Letter
Tychicus – Tychicus seems to have often served as one of Paul’s messengers. Of the letters that we have in the New Testament he delivered ones to Ephesus, Colossae and possibly Crete. Many scholars believe that he is the “brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel” that Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 8.
Onesimus – Onesimus was a runaway slave who became a Christian under Paul’s teaching in Rome. Onesimus was from Colossae. These two men carried not just the letter to the church, but also the letter of Philemon. In both letters Paul appeals to the church to receive Onesimus back as a brother in the Lord.
Co-Laborers Sending Greetings
Paul mentions five men who were with him in Rome. These men obviously had a relationship with the church.
Artistarchus – Artistarchus was from Thessalonica and probably became a Christian while Paul ministered there. Artistarchus was a frequent companion of Paul and at the time the letter was written was also in prison with Paul in Rome.
Mark – John Mark is one of the more well-known men in the New Testament, even though relatively few verses mention him. Mark was the cousin of Barnabas, Paul’s first partner in missions. Mark went along onPaul’s first missionary journey, but at some point left the mission (which led to a parting-of-the-way between Paul and Barnabas). Mark served alongside Peter and wrote one of the four Gospels. Later in Paul’s ministry he and Mark reconciled.
Jesus (Justus) – This is the only time he is mentioned in the New Testament.
Epaphras – The man who planted the church at Colossae, who probably became a Christian under Paul’s ministry in Ephesus. According to Philemon 1:25 he was also a co-prisoner with Paul in Rome.
Luke – A physician by trade, Luke was a frequent companion of Paul and a prolific writer. His Gospel and the book of Acts make up about a third of the New Testament! Most scholars believe he was the scribe for at least 2nd Timothy as well.
Demas – Demas is mentioned 3 times in the New Testament. By the time that Paul wrote 2 Timothy Demas had deserted him and returned to Thessalonica. Paul says that this was because “he loved this world.” The trials of persecution and the lure of an easier life caused Demas to walk aways from ministry.
Co-Laborers To Be Greeted
In addition to the church at Laodicea, Paul asked that this letter be shared with 2 individuals.
Nympha – This is the only time she is mentioned in the New Testament. The church at Laodicea met in her home, so she was likely a lady of some wealth and influence there.
Archippus – Archippus is only mentioned here and in Philemon. Some scholars believe he belonged to Philemon’s family. Paul wanted Archippus to be encouraged to complete the work that God had given him to do. We don’t know what that work entailed, although it was almost definitely ministry related.
It’s quite the crew, isn’t it? Paul’s co-laborers included a runaway slave, a church planter, a doctor, and a wealthy lady. It included two authors of books of the Bible, and a couple of men that we know next-to-nothing about. It includes a guy who would desert him and a guy who left him and then was reconciled back to him.
So what can we take from this list of co-laborers? A few things come to mind. We are reminded that leaders are much more effective when they have support and help. Paul is remembered as the World’s Greatest Missionary, but without these folks (and many others), his ministry wouldn’t have been nearly as impactful. We are also reminded that kingdom building takes people from all walks of life who have different skill sets, different gifts, and different graces. Finally, we are reminded of the need to give credit where the credit is due and to make sure to honor all labor that is done for the Lord.
Here is what’s happening:
- Junior Youth have their end-of-the-school-year cookout celebration at the church on Saturday, 6/17 from 6-9 pm.
- I will be on vacation from Friday, June 23 through Friday, June 30. Please see an elder if a need arises that week.
- Men’s Breakfast at Hometown Kitchen on Saturday, June 24 at 8 am.
- Please help yourself to any of the books, videos and materials that are in the library. We plan to donate whatever is left at the end of the month and repurpose that space.
- We will be having a time of coffee and fellowship starting at 9:30 am each Sunday in July and August! There is a sign up sheet by the front door if you would like to provide a light breakfast snack for folks to enjoy.
- Praise God for the rain!
See you on Sunday,
Scott