COLOSSIANS 4:7–18 (NIV)
Theme: The Gospel in Circulation—Identity Proved through Community
✨ Verses 7–9 — The Reliable Messenger and the Restored Brother
Colossians 4:7–9 (NIV)
7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our 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.
Cross References
- Philemon 1:10 – “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.”
- Proverbs 25:13 – “Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him.”
Why We Struggle
We often view “ministry” as the work of the person on the stage, forgetting that the health of the church depends on “Tychicuses”—those who are simply faithful, reliable, and willing to carry the weight for others. We also struggle to forgive the “Onesimuses” of the world, holding people’s pasts against them.
Integrated Truth
The Gospel is not just a set of ideas; it is a network of relationships. Tychicus represents reliability, while Onesimus represents redemption. Onesimus was a runaway slave, yet Paul calls him a “faithful and dear brother.” The “New Humanity” from Colossians 3:11 is now walking into the room in the form of a former slave and a faithful servant.
Know This
- Faithfulness is the greatest ability you can offer.
- In Christ, your past does not disqualify you from being “dear and faithful.”
Response of the Believer
- Commit to being a person whose word and work can be trusted.
- Look at those with “messy” backgrounds through the lens of their new identity in Christ.
- Be an encourager of hearts, not just a reporter of facts.
✨ Verses 10–14 — The Diversity of the Team
Colossians 4:10–14 (NIV)
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 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.
Cross References
- Acts 15:37–38 – (The original conflict between Paul and Mark).
- 2 Timothy 4:10 – “For Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me.”
Why We Struggle
We assume the early church was perfect. But this list contains a man who once deserted the mission (Mark), a man who would eventually abandon it (Demas), and people from vastly different cultural backgrounds (Jews and Gentiles).
Integrated Truth
The “Pantry Audit” from chapter 3 results in a room where Mark (the failure) and Luke (the intellectual) can work together. We see Epaphras “wrestling” in prayer—reminding us that the hardest work for the church often happens on our knees, not in the spotlight.
Know This
- A “successful” ministry team includes people who have failed and been restored (Mark).
- Prayer is a form of “hard work” (v. 13).
Response of the Believer
- Offer “welcome” to those who have previously let you down.
- Shift from “saying prayers” to “wrestling in prayer” for your community.
- Recognize the value of your specific background (vocation, ethnicity) in the Kingdom.
✨ Verses 15–18 — Final Instructions and the Personal Mark
Colossians 4:15–18 (NIV)
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.
Cross References
- 2 Timothy 4:5 – “But you, keep your head in all situations… fulfill all the duties of your ministry.”
- Galatians 6:17 – “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.”
Why We Struggle
We are prone to “start” things but not “complete” them. Like Archippus, we get discouraged or distracted by the “chains” of life—our limitations, our suffering, or our boredom.
Integrated Truth
The letter ends with a call to action. Paul mentions his chains not for pity, but for perspective. If Paul can fulfill his ministry in a prison, Archippus can fulfill his in Colossae. The “Grace” he closes with is the fuel required to finish the race.
Know This
- Ministry is not finished until it is “completed.”
- Our limitations (chains) do not excuse us from our calling.
Response of the Believer
- Identify the task God has given you and resolve to “see to it” that it’s done.
- Open your home (like Nympha) for the sake of the Gospel.
- Let the reality of others’ sacrifices motivate your own endurance.
📘 THEOLOGICAL SUMMARY
Colossians 4:7–18 teaches that:
- The “New Self” is lived out in a tangible, messy, and diverse community.
- Redemption is practical (Onesimus) and reconciliation is possible (Mark).
- Labor for the Kingdom includes both physical presence (Tychicus) and spiritual wrestling (Epaphras).
- The “Pantry” is kept clean when we remain faithful to our specific assignments.
🧠 HEAD — What to Understand
- The Gospel travels through people, not just scrolls.
- Every believer has a specific “ministry received in the Lord.”
❤️ HEART — What to Feel
- Encouragement that failures (Mark) can become “faithful brothers.”
- Responsibility for the specific work God has put in your hands.
✋ HAND — What to Do
- Write an “encouragement” note to someone who is “working hard” behind the scenes.
- “Wrestle” in prayer for one specific person to “stand firm” this week.
- Finish a task you’ve been neglecting in your service to others.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Reliable people are the backbone of a healthy church.
- Prayer is invisible labor with visible results.
- Your “chains” are not a barrier to God’s grace; they are a platform for it.
- See to it that you finish well.
Closing
The Big Idea: Their differences were the “Restocked Pantry.” When the Jewish traditionalist (Justus) worked with the Gentile doctor (Luke), and the Leader (Paul) worked with the former slave (Onesimus), they proved that “Christ is all, and is in all” (3:11). They weren’t strong despite their differences; they were strong because their differences were unified by one Lord.
Takeaway From Colossians
🧠 HEAD — The Takeaway
If you don’t have the theology of Chapters 1-2, you have no power for the practice of Chapters 3-4. But if you have the theology without the practice, you don’t have a witness.
❤️ HEART — The Feeling
The book leaves us feeling Secured (our life is hidden in Him) and Sent (we have a ministry to complete).
✋ HAND — The Action
Like Archippus, we are told: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord” (4:17).