Final Greetings: An Example in Ministering Together

Scripture Reading: Colossians 4:7–18

Opening prayer

Introduction

a

Exposition 1 (7-9)

Colossians 4:7–9 ESV

7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

Tychicus is also mentioned in Ephesians 6 for the same purpose as here.

First mentioned… Acts 20:4

From the province of Asia

He traveled to Jerusalem with Paul to deliver the collection

Also mentioned in Titus 3 and 2 Timothy 4, both times where Paul is sending him to various locations (also, Ephesians as already mentioned)

It is clear from Scripture that he we a fellow minister who traveled much with or for Paul

Paul describes Tychicus as a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.

Paul then tells them that he sent Tychicus for a specific purpose...

vs.8 that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts (the repeats the beginning of vs 7)

Paul is clearly emphasizing that Tychicus speaks with Paul’s Apostolic permission.

Onesimus is the slave in question in the book of Philemon...

Paul says he is one of you meaning he is a Colossian. He may have, in his pre-converted life be somewhat infamous among the Colossian believers

Here Paul does not call him a fellow servant or minister but rather a faithful and beloved brother.

He comes along with Tychicus to serve as witness as well as submit to Philemon’s decision

I. Cooperation in ministry is facilitated by exchange of information

Exposition 2 (10-15)

Colossians 4:10–15 ESV

10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

Three Jewish Christians and 3 Gentile send their greetings

Jewish

Aristarchus

Mark

Jesus who is called justice

Gentile

Epaphras - their pastor - prays for them that they will stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. This is a pastor’s prayer. it is also a good model prayer for your church, your children, and any believers that you have a discipleship relationship with.

Luke

Demas

Paul gives his personal greetings

II. Cooperation in ministry requires cooperation in ministry

Exposition 3 (16-18)

Colossians 4:16–18 ESV

16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

III. Ministry includes the Word and Prayer