GREETINGS FROM SPECIFIC PEOPLE (COL 4: 10-14)
GREETINGS FROM SPECIFIC PEOPLE (COL
4: 10-14):
Paul continues his greetings to Colossians. Paul writes that
Aristarchus his fellow prisoner greets them, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas
(concerning whom they have received instructions, and if he comes to them, they
shall welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of
the circumcision among his fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they had
been a comfort to him. Aristarchus must be a person from Macedonia. The
craftsmen of idols in Ephesus rebelled against Paul and his companions,
including Aristarchus when Paul preached about Jesus, and their business was
affected. When Paul determined to set sail for Syria through Macedonia, some
companions including Aristarchus accompanied him. When Paul and his companions
had to sail for Italy, Paul and some prisoners were delivered to a Centurion,
and they put Aristarchus to sea to sail to some places and the coast of Asia. Since
he was close to Paul, he must have known about the Colossians and greeted them.
Mark, who is the cousin of Barnabas could be called by the name John too. After
Peter came out of prison through angels as Herod afflicted some Jews, he came
to the house of Mary, Mother of Mark. After fulfilling the ministry in certain
places, Paul and Barnabas returned to Jerusalem along with Mark. Paul and
Barnabas thought to visit back the cities they ministered and Barnabas was
planning to take Mark but Paul wasn't, mentioning he left them in Pamphylia and
not gone with them to work. Because of that Paul and Barnabas parted and
Barnabas took Mark whereas Paul took Silas. Paul mentions in the letter to
Timothy to get Mark for he is useful in the ministry. Paul mentions that Mark
along with other brothers sends greetings to Philemon. Peter mentions Mark as
his brother and that he greets the dispersed exiles in his letter to them. Paul
had given special instructions about Mark to Colossians and asked them to
welcome him. Justus could be the one who is also called Joseph or Barsabbas or
Jesus who is nominated to replace the place of one of the twelve disciples, Judas
Iscariot after he betrayed Jesus and killed himself. Justus could be from a Jewish
background and he could have accepted Christ.
He could have been belonging to the circumcision party alone will partake. Aristarchus and Mark are Paul's close fellow prisoners. Paul mentions that they in building the
Kingdom of God. They all were of great help to Paul.
Epaphras, who is one of them, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets
them, always struggling on their behalf in his prayers, that they may stand
mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For he bears him witness that
he has worked hard for them and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Paul
mentions in his letter to Colossians in the beginning that they learned about
the gospel from Epaphras their dear fellow servant who is a faithful minister
of Christ on their behalf, who also declared to them their love in the Spirit.
Paul also mentions in his letter to Philemon that Epaphras, his fellow prisoner
in Christ Jesus salute them. Epaphras must be closely associated with the
church of Colosse.
Luke the beloved physician greets them, as does Demas. Paul
mentions in his letter to Timothy that only Luke is with him. Paul mentions in
his letter to Philemon that Luke is one of his fellow workers who sent
greetings. Luke is the one who authored most of the part of the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles. He is a physician by profession and
also a partaker of the Gospel by being a close friend of Paul. Demas is one of the
close associates of Paul but having fallen with the present world had abandoned
him and gone to Thessalonica. Demas had also sent his greetings to Philemon.
Stimulations for Self-Reflection:
1. Who is Aristarchus?
2. Who is Mark?
3. Who is Jesus, called Justus?
4. What does Paul mention about his fellow workers?
5. Who is Epaphras?
6. What does Paul mention about Epaphras?
7. Who is Luke?
8. Who is Demas?
9. Why does Paul mention the greetings from different individuals?
Comments
Post a Comment