Colossians - An Expositional Study
A GROUP PHOTOGRAPH
Scripture Reading: Colossians 4:7-8 (KJV)
Probably you have had the experience of receiving a letter from a friend, in which a group photograph is enclosed. In our present text, it appears Paul has done the same thing in words by grouping together in thumbnail sketches a number of people who are around him in Rome and who are well-known to Christians in Colossae. When Paul's letter was read to the assembly, how excited they must have been to hear about their far-off comrades in the Lord. We can also gain inspiration from a consideration of them, for each one had a characteristic profile all his own. Let us take a brief look at them one by one.
"Tychicus... minister...fellowservant"
Tychicus – Man with a Message. The word "minister" seems to denote that he was acting as sort of a personal servant to Paul, like a valet, a reliable person ready to do any job or run any errand. A servant of Paul; while at the same time a "fellowservant" of the Master. In the New Testament there are eight different words for the idea of service: Diakonos, a ministering servant; Oiketes, a household servant; Therapiin, a confidential servant; Uperetes, a subordinate servant; Ieitourgos, a public servant; Latreuo, a temple servant; Oikonomos, a responsible servant; and Doulos, a bond servant. It is the first and last of these words that are used in our present text describing Tychicus. He is not the slave of Paul, he is the diakonos – the ministering servant; but he is the sundoulos, the fellow-slave with Paul "in the Lord." The inspired New Testament is always exact in the use of words.
In the 1800's it was often said, "No man is a hero to his own valet." However, without a doubt, we have an exception in this man. Paul thought highly of him and he of Paul. Paul certainly trusted him and now that this important letter had to be delivered to Colossae, Tychicus was chosen to be the postman. Perhaps Tychicus was not a significant-looking man; but we would be wrong if we passed him on the road thinking him to be of little or no importance – he was a man with a message, carrying Paul's letter, a part of the Word of God. As Christians, we also carry the message of Christ. Paul goes further when he says, "Ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ...written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God" (2 Cor. 3:3).
Here is an example of what appears to be an insignificant man charged with a significant work. God often works this way. "Not many wise men are called, not many mighty, not many noble" (1 Cor. 1:26). God does not say "any", but "not many." "God hath chosen" insignificant people. He could not have the somebodies; but He often choses the nobodies. Yes, there is hope for all of us in God's great employ.
Scripture Reading: Colossians 4:9 (KJV)
"Onesimus...faithful...beloved...one of us"
Onesimus – Man with a Past. Consider what some of the Colossian Christians might have thought when they found this person in the group. He belonged to their town; had been a slave in the service of a well-to-do member of the community, Philemon. Onesimus had robbed his master and bolted. Like many criminals in that time, he found his way to the Imperial City, Rome – squalid beyond words, the common sink of all the worst vices of humanity. It was to the slums of Rome that Onesimus gravitated. But the sovereign grace of God was after this sinner; and someone found him, brought him to Paul, who brought him to Christ – "My son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds" (Philemon 10), now "a faithful and beloved brother who is one of us" (Col. 4: 9).
Onesimus' past is now forgotten, as, praise God, any person's past may be, however wicked. Paul knows that if this man is to grow in grace he must put things right with the one he has wronged. Restitution is a first principle of spiritual life. "If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift" (Matt. 5:23-24). Any reparation in our power to make must be undertaken. No doubt this was difficult for Onesimus, because his master had powers of severe punishment. However, Philemon is another of Paul's converts – "thou owest unto me even thine own self" (Philemon 19). The apostle writes him a personal letter, beseeching his favor for the returned slave. Onesimus is to present it personally. But what if Onesimus, nearning his destination, gets scared and turns back? Paul sends Tychicus to Colossae with a public letter to the church. Good idea, they will travel together. If there is any sign of panic, Tychicus can deal with it. Paul was certainly a strategist.
Scripture Reading: Colossians 4:10 (KJV)
"Aristarchus...fellowprisoner"
Aristarchus – Man with a Heart. What a "comfort" (v. 11) this man was to Paul. The first mention of him is in Acts 19:29, where we find him alongside Paul in the fierce riot at Ephesus, stirred up by the devotees of Diana. Paul escaped; but they "caught" Aristarchus. Moving on to Acts 27:2, we discover this man still with Paul amid the hurricane rigors of the "tempestuous Euroclydon." Such sharing of stormy experiences must have drawn the two closer together. Now, in our present text, he is described as "my fellowprisoner" – this time sharing confinement.
This friend of the apostle had learned and practiced the Christian exhortation, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2). Ultimately, "every man shall bear his own burden"(Gal. 6:5). However, with a shoulder of sympathy and practical aid, we can help take some of the weight of trouble off our friend's back, even if it is only to remind him to "cast thy burden upon the Lord" (Ps. 55:22). Some Christians have little or no distinction in the exercise of public gifts. They cannot: lead singing, teach a class, lead public prayer, or speak in public. They will never be an elder or deacon or have any prominent place in the church of our Lord. But, they are the most beloved and effective of members because they are burden-bearers. Somehow, whenever anyone is in trouble, this is the Christian who goes to their side bringing comfort and help.
"Marcus "
Marcus – Man with a Future. Here was another man with a past. How happily and enthusiastically he must have been when he started out on that first missionary tour with Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:2-5). They had a great time on the island, but when plans were being made to go back to the mainland, for some evidently unjustifiable reason, Mark decided that he would "depart" home, deserting them. Paul later suggested to Barnabas that they should make a return visit to the places of their previous tour, exhorting the converts to continue steadfast in the faith. Barnabas was in agreement, but there was strong disagreement about taking Mark again. Paul said "No," and of course he was right. How could they urge Christians to be loyal and steadfast if they took with them a young Christian deserter? Barnabas said "Yes," and of course he was right in taking Mark with him back to Cyprus, where Mark had not deserted. So, out of the "dissension" arose two missionary tours instead of one.
Mark certainly had a past. But that is now behind him. Perhaps he had a second chance through the kindly action of his uncle. Does God ever judge a person on a first chance?
After his dismal failure, consider how Peter was graciously reinstated as an apostle to "feed" the flock. Consider Jonah, who ran away from God. Consider how "the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time" (Jon. 3:1). Consider young Mark, such a disappointment, but God does not leave him. Yes, he's a man with a past, but looking at him through this group it is his future that is so striking. This is the man on whom God has laid His hand for the writing of part of His Word. We are not given the honor of writing a gospel, but we are privileged in being a gospel. "You are writing a gospel, a chapter each day, By all that you do, and all that you say. Men read what you write, whether faithless, or true. Say! What is the gospel according to you?" So, John Mark gets his second chance; and he is now back with his old leader and Paul rejoices to have him in the group of his now faithful friends. This is a wonderful testimony of Paul, writing from his last and more rigorous imprisonment – "Take Mark, and bring him with thee, for he is profitable to me for the ministry" (2 Tim. 4:11). What a glorious come-back! Have you wandered away? Take heed and heart in the knowledge that if you sincerely repent, there is a future for you in Christ, a future of blessedness and greatness for Him and His glory.
"receive him"
Paul adds a poignant remark – "touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him" (v. 10). Perhaps they knew about his early disloyalty to Paul, deciding that if Mark dared come their way, they would let him know what they thought of him. No, no, says Paul, not a cold shoulder, but a warm hand. This is the way to welcome home a backslider. "If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Gal. 6:1).
Scripture Reading: Colossians 4:11 (KJV)
"Jesus Justus... fellowworkers"
Jesus Justus – Man with a Name. We know practically nothing about this man, except that he was a Jew and a "comfort" to Paul. And, we know his name; what a Name. It was a common name in Palestine. According to the early church historian, Origen, it was even the name of Barabbas. "Barabbas" was only his description – "Bar," son of; "Abbas," the Rabbi. What a pity that such a son should come to such an end. Down through the ages there have been many tragedies of the same kind. One that comes to mind is Pilate's challenge – which of the two will you have, Jesus Bar-abbis, or Jesus Christ? This common name is common no longer since the Savior bore it, and did so for its significant meaning, "for He shall save His people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21). The name actually means "the Lord the Savior." Is He your Savior and your Lord?
James speaks of those who blaspheme "that worthy Name by which ye are called" (2:7). It has been suggested that the name, "Christians," was given to followers of Christ as a form of ridicule. "The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch" (Acts 9:26). "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" (Acts 26:28). "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed" (1 Pet. 4:16). This suggestion is not acceptable, because it is truly an honorable and worthy name; Christians, Christ-ones. It takes some living up to; only Christ Himself can enable us to be true Christians. It was the Living God who wrote to certain professors of the Name, "thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead" (Rev. 3:1). What does God say of those of us who bear the Name? Are we really living it?
Scripture Reading: Colossians 4:12-13 (KJV)
"Epaphras...servant of Christ"
Epaphras – Man with a Passion. This may have been the man who, on the human side, established the church at Colossae. Paul records that "a great zeal for you" (v. 13). It is always encouraging encountering enthusiasm for art, music, sports, bird-watching, or whatever. It is sad but true, only rarely do we find it among Christians for the Master's cause. In Revelation 3:15-16, in no uncertain terms, the Lord Himself told us how He feels about "luke-warm" people; tepid Christianity. What strange bedfellows these two works make. If we have any experience and understanding of the love of God toward us, if we have any real grasp of the amazing grace of the crucified and risen Lord then how shall we be anything other than eager? How shall we be other than earnest to commend Him to others as the living Savior, Master, and Friend of all who trust and obey?
Epaphras had zeal enough for the welfare and well-being of his beloved congregation. Doubtless his eagerness was evidenced in the relationship existing between himself and the Colossian congregation of the church of our Lord. He would be their comfort in hard times, their counselor in solving problems, their devoted friend along the road, and their trusted leader in spiritual things. But, at the present time, he is miles away. He has gone to Rome to consult Paul about the Gnostic heresy. Removed from them by a long distance, he can now do nothing for them. He cannot help in nurturing these Colossian "babes in Christ" (1 Cor. 3:1).
"laboring...for you in prayers"
However, even though far removed, Epaphras can do for them the greatest thing that any Christian can do for another, he can pray for them. Evidently he threw all his God-directed enthusiasm into his strategic ministry, characterizing his work for them – "always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" (v. 12). "Labouring fervently" – one word in the Greek; a word of which our English "agonising" is a transliteration. There he was, on his knees, wrestling with God for people he loved. His whole heart and soul was in it; his entire surrendered being caught up in the task. No doubt he rose from his knees utterly spent, completely exhausted. Some of us could be counted as being like him, if it had been said that he grew tired of praying and gave it up. Have any of us ever, like Epaphras, grown tired through praying? What prayer-warriors we would be, battling for souls with the weapon of prayer. Such supplication leaps over all distances and all barriers. The distant missionary in China can be reached via God's Throne. The friend on the other side of the world can be reached via God's Throne. The unfriendly neighbor can be reached via God's Throne. , From distant Rome, Epaphras reached the Christians in Colossae via God's Throne. Epaphras believed this to be true and, no doubt, that is why he spent so much time in it; "always" at it; and so much energy in it – "labouring fervently." How much do we believe in this tremendous ministry of intercession? Yes, it should be a Christian's natural endeavor, "unto Him that loved us, and loosed us from our sins [R.V.], and hath made us...priests unto God and His Father" (Rev. 1:5-6). It was the priest's particular prerogative to offer to God the incense of intercession. The New Testament teaches the priesthood of all believers. So let us take heed to the oft-heard challenge, "Let us pray." Let us do so in the spirit of Epaphras. Paul has such spiritually attractive people in his group photograph.
Scripture Reading: Colossians 4:14 (KJV)
"Luke...beloved physician"
Luke – Man with a Gift. Often an affectionate relationship grows up between a man and his doctor. It seems to have been like that between Paul and his "beloved physician." It appears that the two first met at Troas. Perhaps Paul had an attack of his "thorn in the flesh" (2 Cor. 12:7), and needed a doctor. Perhaps in this way Dr. Luke came into contact with his out-of-the-ordinary patient. Paul was a man of such all-round capacity and full orbed personality that he was able to attract not only the lowly like Tychicus, but the brilliantly educated like Dr. Luke. All his personal gifts were contributions toward advancement of the Kingdom – "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (1 Cor. 9:22).
What about Luke's gift? Legend says that he was a considerable painter; but certainly he was an artist in words. What vivid and attractive pictures he has given us, both in his Gospel account and in Acts; stories from the diary of a doctor. His principal gift was that of medicine; and that gift he laid at the feet of the Divine Physician, becoming the first medical missionary. It is thrilling to notice that Luke joined Paul's mission party from Troas onward; surmised from his record of the Pauline travels, note the significant change of pronouns. "They came down to Troas," Luke is not with them. "We endeavoured to go into Macedonia" (Acts 16:8, 10). By his use of "we", Luke is journeying with them. Before conversion, Matthew's gift kept accounts. After his conversion he dedicated his pen to the Master's service, writing the first Gospel account. What about us? Have we some gift to use for Him; music, needlework, games, hobbies, languages, art, personality? God can use them all, even Tabitha's needlework (Acts 9:39). We all have some gift, whether brilliant or humble. Will you let Him have your gift along with yourself?
"Demas"
Demas – Man with a Bias. This is the last man in Paul's group photograph taken in Rome. He is the fly in the ointment. Notice that he is the only one about whom Paul has not one word to say. In the apostle's letter to Philemon, he is called "my fellow-labourer" (24), but here nothing is said. Could it be that he was already beginning to show signs of cooling off; ending in that tragic sentence about him in Paul's last letter, "Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world" (2 Tim. 4:10).
Though in our present text he is mentioned by Paul, still there existed within him a fatal bias. We are not told what form his weakness took. Some think it may have been money, not in itself wrong but "the love of money is the root of all [kinds of, Greek] evil" (1 Tim. 6:10). Consider the story in Pilgrim's Progress of how two pilgrims, Christian and Hopeful, are accosted by a man who has discovered a silver mine, and who tries to lure them to stray out of their path, to become rich quickly. John Bunyan calls that man Demas. Could he have been thinking of the Demas in our present text? Certainly it is true that the temptation of riches has caused the downfall of many Christians.
Paul often uses the word "flesh" in two senses: sometimes he means the component of our physical frame – "the life that I now live in the flesh" (Gal. 2:20); sometimes, however, he uses the word in a technical sense and the context must guide us as to its immediate connotation. In this latter connection, the "flesh" is that lower nature within –"the flesh lusteth against the Spirit" (Gal. 5:17). That evil nature is the bias we carry within our being, causing us to stray from God. The Christian is a two-natured person, having within a Divine counter-action, so the evil part within can be controlled and conquered – "the Spirit [lusteth] against the flesh...so that ye need not do the things that ye otherwise [if left to yourself] would", a free paraphrase of the Greek. Such a life of control by the indwelling Holy Spirit is one bright aspect of Christianity.
Thus we close our look at Paul's group photograph. The names that now follow are of people not with him in Rome. They reside in Colossae and the neighborhood, members of the church of our Lord to whom the apostle sends his affectionate greetings. As we conclude our contemplation of the eight who are with him, let us seek the grace of God so that we may follow their good example and "flee...and follow...and fight" (1 Tim. 6:11-12).
