Final Instructions

We are going to wrap up our journey through Colossians today

The last chapter is Paul giving instructions and encouragement to his ‘ministry partners’

There may be a surprising tie-in that people often miss, but I think is important

Keep in mind Paul’s charge to the Colossians:

Warning against false teachers

Do away with anger, malice, slander

Clothe yourself in Christ with love, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience

Do not lie to one another

You are called into one body

No longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, enslaved and free, but Christ is all and in all.

Wives & Husbands, Children & Fathers, Slaves & Masters

Col 4:7, All the matters concerning me Tychicus will make known to you, the beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow slave in the Lord, whom I sent to you for this very purpose, so that you may know the things concerning us and that he may encourage your hearts,

Likely the one delivering the letter

Appears in: Acts 20:4, Eph 6:21, 2 Tim 4:12, Titus 3:12

Area: Asia Minor, Ephesus

Journey: Paul’s 3rd, Roman imprisonment

“Fortunate” or “Lucky”

Tychicus appears repeatedly as Paul’s trusted envoy and letter carrier (Acts 20:4; Eph 6:21; 2 Tim 4:12; Titus 3:12). He functions as a stabilizing presence who represents Paul’s authority without replacing it. His role shows that apostolic authority travels relationally, not hierarchically. Paul entrusts him with sensitive communication and pastoral encouragement, indicating deep confidence and long standing partnership formed during the later missionary journeys.

Col 4:9, together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is from among you. They will make known to you all the things here.

Perhaps imprisoned with Paul

Appears in: Phlm 10, 12, 16

Area: Colossae, Philemon’s household

Journey: Roman imprisonment

“Useful,” “Beneficial”

Onesimus is the clearest lived example of Colossians 3:11. Known primarily from Philemon, he moves from enslaved status to “faithful and beloved brother.” Paul never erases his past but redefines his identity within Christ’s dominion. Onesimus embodies the collapse of slave and free not as theory but as social reality within the household assemblies.

Now, perhaps, you can see how Paul’s instructions about slaves and masters is going to resonate in the area. Philemon is Paul’s letter dedicated to the master of Onesimus to ‘do the right thing.’

Col 4:10, Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you,

Perhaps imprisoned with Paul

Appears in: Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2; Phlm 24

Area: Thessalonica, Macedonia

Journey: Second and Third Journeys; Rome voyage

“Best ruler” or “excellent leader”

Aristarchus appears in Acts as a Macedonian coworker who shares danger with Paul, including the Ephesian riot (Acts 19:29) and the voyage to Rome (Acts 27:2). Paul calls him a fellow prisoner, signaling shared suffering rather than rank. Aristarchus represents Gentile solidarity with Paul in both mission and cost, reinforcing the idea that allegiance to Christ transcends national and cultural origin.

Col 4:10, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you received instructions. If he comes to you, receive him.

Perhaps assisting Paul

Appears in: Acts 12; 13; 15; Phlm 24; 2 Tim 4:11

Area: Jerusalem, Cyprus, Rome

Journey: First Journey; later Roman period

Latin Marcus, often linked to “hammer” or the god Mars

Mark’s story arcs from early failure to restored usefulness. After withdrawing from the first journey (Acts 13), he becomes the source of sharp disagreement (Acts 15), yet later is fully restored and valued by Paul (Col 4:10; 2 Tim 4:11). His presence highlights reconciliation within the missionary network and shows that usefulness in Christ’s kingdom is not fixed by past failure.

Col 4:11, And Jesus, the one called Justus. These are from among the circumcision. These alone are fellow workers for the kingdom of God, who have become a comfort to me.

Perhaps assisting Paul

Appears in: Only Colossians

Area: Likely Rome, Jewish Christian context

Journey: Roman imprisonment

Jesus: “Yahweh saves”; Justus: “Righteous” or “Just”

Jesus called Justus appears only in Colossians, yet Paul includes him among Jewish coworkers who brought comfort. His dual name reflects diaspora Jewish identity in a Gentile world. Though obscure, his inclusion underscores Paul’s emphasis that significance in the kingdom is not measured by prominence but by faithfulness within the shared labor of the gospel.

These are from the circumcision: Interesting

Col 4:12, Epaphras greets you, who is from among you, a slave of the Anointed One Jesus, always struggling on your behalf in prayers, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear witness to him that he has much labor for you and for those in Laodicea and for those in Hierapolis.

Fellow worker

Appears in: Phlm 23

Area: Colossae, Lycus Valley

Journey: Third Journey; Roman imprisonment

Short form of Epaphroditus, “Belonging to Aphrodite” or “Lovely”

Epaphras is central to the Lycus Valley assemblies. He likely founded the Colossian church and is portrayed as one who struggles in prayer for their maturity (Col 1:7; 4:12; Phlm 23). His role emphasizes pastoral intercession rather than control. Epaphras models leadership that labors unseen and locally, reinforcing Paul’s non hierarchical vision of ministry.

Col 4:14, Luke, the beloved physician, greets you, and Demas.

Fellow worker

Appears in: Acts travel sections; Phlm 24; 2 Tim 4:11

Area: Aegean world, Rome

Journey: Second Journey onward; Roman imprisonment

Possibly “Light giving” or Latin Lucas, uncertain

Luke appears through the “we” sections of Acts and is consistently present during Paul’s later travels and imprisonment. As a physician and historian, he bridges Gentile education with apostolic witness. Luke’s steady presence highlights continuity, careful observation, and faithful companionship. His role demonstrates how diverse skills serve the same dominion under Christ.

Col 4:14, and Demas.

Fellow worker

Appears in: Phlm 24; 2 Tim 4:10

Area: Rome, later Thessalonica

Journey: Roman imprisonment

Likely from Demetrius, “Belonging to Demeter”

Demas is listed as a fellow worker in Colossians and Philemon but later departs in love with the present age (2 Tim 4:10). His story introduces realism into Paul’s network. Not all partnerships endure. Demas illustrates that allegiance to Christ’s dominion must be continually chosen, not assumed through association.

Col 4:15, Greet the brothers in Laodicea, and Nympha, and the assembly at her house. And when the letter has been read among you, cause it also to be read in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the one from Laodicea.

Fellow worker

Appears in: Only Colossians

Area: Laodicea, house assembly

Journey: Local Lycus Valley context

“Bride,” “Young woman,” or “Nymph”

Nympha hosts a house assembly in Laodicea. She appears nowhere else, yet her role is essential. Hosting an assembly required resources, trust, and leadership. Her inclusion demonstrates that women exercised meaningful authority within early Christian networks without formal titles. She embodies the practical dismantling of gendered hierarchy in lived community.

Col 4:17, And say to Archippus, “See to the ministry that you received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.”

Fellow worker

Appears in: Phlm 2

Area: Colossae or Laodicea

Journey: Local coworker

“Chief horseman,” “Master of horses”

Archippus appears in Colossians and Philemon as a local leader urged to fulfill a ministry received in the Lord. Paul addresses him publicly, not to shame but to encourage responsibility. His role reflects transitional leadership within household assemblies. Authority is framed as stewardship under Christ, not personal status or inherited rank.

Col 4:18, The greeting is by my own hand, Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.

Paul likely used a scribe to write the letters, but at times he signs the letter by his hand.

Many names carry status or power connotations: Aristarchus, Archippus, and Mark all evoke leadership, strength, or elite standing.

Several names are theophoric or pagan in origin: Epaphras, Demas, and possibly Luke preserve connections to Greco Roman deities, underscoring the Gentile background of Paul’s network.

Onesimus stands out rhetorically: A man named “Useful,” formerly enslaved, embodies Paul’s dismantling of slave and free hierarchy in lived form.

Paul does not rename people: Instead of erasing their past identities, Paul reorients them under Christ’s dominion, which aligns precisely with Colossians 3:11–12.

One sentence synthesis:

The names in Colossians 4 preserve echoes of power, pagan devotion, and social status, all now gathered into a single network where identity is no longer defined by name, rank, gender, age, family, or origin but by allegiance to the Messiah.

And say to ______ …

(What would Paul call you?)

Appears in: (Where do you appear?)

Area: (What is your area of ministry?)

Journey: (Where did you start, where are you now?)

(What is your name’s meaning?)

Jeremy, short for Jeremiah, or Yirmeyahu

Root of my name is rum (רום), to raise, lift, or exalt

With a suffice of yahu (יהו) short for Yahweh

Meaning, Yahweh raises up, or Yahweh exalts

These are ordinary people living an extraordinary life because of their allegiance to Messiah Jesus

Final Instructions