12 Salute you doth Epaphras, who 'is' of you, a servant of Christ, always striving for you in the prayers, that ye may stand perfect and made full in all the will of God, 13 for I do testify to him, that he hath much zeal for you, and those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. 14 Salute you doth Lukas, the beloved physician, and Demas; 15 salute ye those in Laodicea—brethren, and Nymphas, and the assembly in his house; 16 and when the epistle may be read with you, cause that also in the assembly of the Laodiceans it may be read, and the 'epistle' from Laodicea that ye also may read; 17 and say to Archippus, 'See to the ministration that thou didst receive in the Lord, that thou mayest fulfil it.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Colossians 4:12-17
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.