Colossians 4:7-18
Remember My Chains
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7Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord.
8I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.
9With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
10My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him.
11Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
12Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God.
13For I testify about him that he goes to great pains for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings.
15Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house.
16After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
17Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
18This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Paul sends Tychicus with news and encouragement. Onesimus goes with him, described as a faithful and beloved brother who is one of the Colossians. These trusted messengers will tell the church about Paul's circumstances.
Aristarchus, Mark and Jesus called Justus send greetings. Paul names them as Jewish fellow workers for God's kingdom who have comforted him. He asks the church to welcome Mark if he comes. The apostle's ministry is sustained by companions whose help he values.
Epaphras, also one of the Colossians, continues wrestling in prayer for them. He wants them to stand mature and fully assured in God's will, and he takes great pains for them and for Laodicea and Hierapolis. His care continues while he is away.
Luke and Demas add greetings. Paul greets the believers at Laodicea, Nympha and the church in her house. He arranges for this letter to be read at Laodicea and for the Colossians to read the letter from there. The churches are to share the instruction they receive.
Archippus is urged to complete the ministry he received in the Lord. Paul then adds his own greeting and asks them to remember his chains. Grace closes a letter filled with Christ's greatness and the particular people who serve Him together.
How We Know
Colossians and Philemon share a striking group of names: Onesimus, Archippus, Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke. Philemon 10–16 also concerns Onesimus's return and calls for receiving him as a beloved brother. These connections strongly support a shared circle and closely related circumstances. Philemon itself does not name the town or establish the sequence in which the letters were read.
Questions
1 Why does Paul send Tychicus and Onesimus?
AnswerThey will bring news of his circumstances and encourage the church. He commends both as faithful, beloved members of the fellowship.
2 What does Epaphras seek through his prayers?
AnswerHe prays that the Colossians will stand mature and fully assured in God's will, continuing to care deeply for them while away.
3 What arrangement does Paul make for the letters?
AnswerThe Colossians should have this letter read at Laodicea and should read the letter from there, sharing the instruction between churches.
4 What does Paul ask Archippus and the whole church to remember?
AnswerArchippus must complete his ministry in the Lord. The church is to remember Paul's chains, keeping his imprisonment in mind.
What This Means for Us
Much of a church's care travels through ordinary acts: carrying news, opening a home, praying faithfully or encouraging a worker. Consider which of these you can offer to someone who needs it.
If the Lord has entrusted you with a responsibility, take the call to complete it seriously. Ask for help where needed and encourage others in their work. Faithfulness is easier to sustain in a fellowship that remembers both its workers and its prisoners.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the people through whom Your church receives care. Strengthen those in prison for Christ, sustain those who pray and serve, and help us fulfill the work You entrust to us. Amen.