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Colossians 4.10-18
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. 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.
ESV
The end of the letter to the Colossians. If I just read through these last verses without consideration of the context and the people, I would assume that it’s just a list of people with some final greetings such as, "Say 'hi' for me to these people." Or, “PS-Archippus stay on track in your ministry.”
But it’s more than that. Paul’s list of these people serves to help the Colossians know that there are others who are following Christ just like they are, and they serve as an encouragement and example for the Colossians to follow and remind us that we are all one in Christ.
I don’t think Paul is being random in this list; they are all believers who are steadfast in faith, encouraging one another and praying for each other and for the Colossian believers.
Bottom line is the understanding that they are united together in Christ.
N.T. Wright talked about Paul “stitching” the Christians together and as they are stitched together in the common thread of Christ they become very strong!
If you want another example of this stitching together, consider the end of Romans in chapter 16 and the incredible list of believers that Paul mentions there.
We should, we need to see ourselves as part of this stitching. I think far too often we get focused on the big splashily events and programs, but we need to remember that it’s the little things done faithfully every day that matter as much if not more. A single line of thread is easily snapped, but every stitch, layered close together, unites and strengthens the whole. Those little things that we do and the things that we share with each other, every stitch, unites us together through our relationship with Christ and draws us together as we live out that relationship with each other. We become stitched together day by day as we live in relationship with Christ and with each other; through prayer, worship and fellowship with one another.
And by the way, the closer we’re stitched together, the stronger we become.
My challenge to you is to do some stitching this weekend!
Eccl 4:9-12
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
ESV
God bless you and have a great weekend and know that you are prayed for this morning.
Scott
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