7 As to all my affairs, Tychicus , our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord , will bring you information . 8 For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances e and that he may encourage your hearts ; 9 and with him Onesimus , our faithful and beloved brother , who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here . 10 Aristarchus , my fellow prisoner , sends you his greetings ; and also Barnabas's cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions ; if he comes to you, welcome him); 11 and also Jesus who is called Justus ; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision , and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. 12 Epaphras , who is one of your number , a bondslave of Jesus Christ , sends you his greetings , always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers , that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God . 13 For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis . 14 Luke , the beloved physician , sends you his greetings , and also Demas .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Colossians 4:7-14
Commentary on Colossians 4:7-9
(Read Colossians 4:7-9)
Ministers are servants to Christ, and fellow-servants to one another. They have one Lord, though they have different stations and powers for service. It is a great comfort under the troubles and difficulties of life, to have fellow Christians caring for us. Circumstances of life make no difference in the spiritual relation among sincere Christians; they partake of the same privileges, and are entitled to the same regards. What amazing changes Divine grace makes! Faithless servants become faithful and beloved brethren, and some who had done wrong, become fellow-workers of good.
Commentary on Colossians 4:10-18
(Read Colossians 4:10-18)
Paul had differed with Barnabas, on the account of this Mark, yet he is not only reconciled, but recommends him to the churches; an example of a truly Christian and forgiving spirit. If men have been guilty of a fault, it must not always be remembered against them. We must forget as well as forgive. The apostle had comfort in the communion of saints and ministers. One is his fellow-servant, another his fellow-prisoner, and all his fellow-workers, working out their own salvation, and endeavouring to promote the salvation of others. The effectual, fervent prayer is the prevailing prayer, and availeth much. The smiles, flatteries, or frowns of the world, the spirit of error, or the working of self-love, leads many to a way of preaching and living which comes far short of fulfilling their ministry. But those who preach the same doctrine as Paul, and follow his example, may expect the Divine favour and blessing.