GREETINGS TO PEOPLE IN SPECIFIC AND GENERAL (COL 4: 15-18)

GREETINGS TO PEOPLE IN SPECIFIC AND GENERAL (COL 4: 15-18):

After conveying the greetings from the specific people, Paul greets some specific people. Paul writes to give his greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha (s) and the church in her (his) house. And when the letter has been read among them, they shall have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and see that they also read the letter from Laodicea. Paul mentions that he struggles for the people of Colosse and those in Laodicea and Paul told that Epaphras has a deep concern for the people in Colosse and those in Laodicea. Laodicea is a neighborhood for Colosse and the church in Laodicea must have had a very close relationship with the church in Colosse, that they share knowledge with one another. In the revelation to John, he mentions Laodicea as one of the seven Churches. Nympha (s) must be a believer in Laodicea and since (s)he was capable enough to accompany many people, the church would have met in her (his) house. The gender of Nympha (s) is uncertain, but Nympha (s) must be well known to Paul for her (his) good deeds.

And Paul tells Colossians that they shall say to Archippus to see that he fulfills the ministry that he had received in the Lord. Archippus is one of the recipients of Paul in his letter to Philemon and he mentions him as his fellow soldier. Being a coworker and partaker to share the gospel with Paul, Archippus was entrusted with some specific roles and responsibilities to serve God by the grace of God which Paul stresses Archippus to complete through the Colossians.

He, Paul, writes the greeting with his own hand. They shall remember his chains. Grace shall be with them. Paul concludes the letter to Colossians with the acknowledgment that he has his hands on the letter for it to be more closer and approachable for them. Paul reminds the Colossians about how he is bonded to the Gospel and how he is enduring all the sufferings and challenges. Finally, Paul conveys that God's grace which is above all understanding shall overrule them.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection:

1. Who are the people of Laodicea? Why Paul greets them?

2. Who is Nympha (s)? Why does Paul greet Nympha (s)?

3. Why Paul tells them to read the letter also to Laodiceans and read back the letter from them?

4. What was Paul's instruction to Archippus? Why?

5. What was Paul's personal acknowledgment? Why?

6. What does Paul ask Colossians to remember? Why?

7. What is Paul's final wish to Colossians?

8. Why it is important to Greet one another and how we can practice that?

9. How we can be an encouragement to others to grow in the Lord?