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Greetings from Paul’s Fellow Workers
These closing lines name people who helped Paul and cared for the believers in Colossae. The passage shows practical service, honest reporting, prayer and encouragement through specific fellow workers.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
Paul says Tychicus and Onesimus will tell the Colossians about his circumstances. He then passes on greetings from Aristarchus, Mark, Jesus called Justus, Epaphras, Luke and Demas. He especially notes comfort given to him and Epaphras’s prayerful zeal for Colossae, Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Colossians 4:7–14Main takeaway
This passage shows believers serving one another through trusted messages, prayer, greetings and encouragement.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Tychicus is sent with a purposePaul says Tychicus will tell the Colossians all his affairs. He calls him a beloved brother, faithful servant and fellow bondservant in the Lord.
Explanation
Paul says Tychicus will tell the Colossians all his affairs. He calls him a beloved brother, faithful servant and fellow bondservant in the Lord. Tychicus is not only carrying information. Paul says he is being sent so he may know their circumstances and comfort their hearts.
02Onesimus goes with himOnesimus travels with Tychicus. Paul describes him too as faithful and beloved, and adds that he is one of you, linking him closely to the Colossians.
Explanation
Onesimus travels with Tychicus. Paul describes him too as faithful and beloved, and adds that he is one of you, linking him closely to the Colossians. Together, these two men will make known everything that is going on here, giving the church a trustworthy report.
03Some fellow workers brought Paul comfortAristarchus, Mark and Jesus called Justus send greetings. Aristarchus is called Paul’s fellow prisoner.
Explanation
Aristarchus, Mark and Jesus called Justus send greetings. Aristarchus is called Paul’s fellow prisoner. Mark is to be received if he comes. Paul says these are his only fellow workers for God’s Kingdom who are of the circumcision, and that they have been a comfort to him.
04Epaphras strives in prayerEpaphras is one of them, and Paul calls him a servant of Christ. He is always striving in prayer for them.
Explanation
Epaphras is one of them, and Paul calls him a servant of Christ. He is always striving in prayer for them. The goal of his prayer is clear: that they may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Paul also testifies to his great zeal for Colossae, Laodicea and Hierapolis.
05Luke and Demas send greetingsThe passage ends briefly: Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet the Colossians. Luke is the only one given a description here.
Explanation
The passage ends briefly: Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet the Colossians. Luke is the only one given a description here. Even this short line continues the pattern of named greetings that runs through the passage.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What three descriptions does Paul give Tychicus, and what task is Tychicus sent to do?
List the titles in Colossians 4:7, then connect them with the purpose stated in Colossians 4:8.
02What does Paul want the Colossians to know about Onesimus?
Notice how Paul describes Onesimus and what he says Onesimus and Tychicus will report in Colossians 4:9.
03How does Paul describe Epaphras’s prayer and zeal?
Look for both the aim of his prayers in Colossians 4:12 and the places named in Colossians 4:13.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Colossians 4:7–14
7All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord.
8I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
9together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here.
10Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received instructions, “if he comes to you, receive him”),
11and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for God’s Kingdom who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me.
12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
13For I testify about him that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.
14Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.