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Scripture • World English Bible
Colossians 4:10–14
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.
World English Bible (WEB) • Public Domain
Reflection
Paul’s brief greetings in Colossians 4:10–14 show how ordinary friendships and ministry partnerships are ordered to the advance of the gospel and to Christ’s lordship. The passage names several companions with simple notices: Aristarchus, Paul’s fellow prisoner; Mark, whom the church was told to receive if he comes; Jesus who is called Justus, counted among Paul’s fellow workers; Epaphras, one of you, who labors in prayer so you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God; Luke the beloved physician; and Demas, who greets you.
Two points from this short unit keep Christ central. First, steadfast prayer for maturity: Epaphras models persistent intercession focused on the congregation’s growth and stability in the will of God. His concern is explicitly for the Colossians to stand complete in God’s will. Second, faithful companionship under Christ’s headship: the variety of greetings highlights how presence in suffering, welcome, prayer, and practical service all contribute to the church’s ministry and witness, ordered to the advance of the gospel and Christ’s lordship.
These verses call the church to humble, consistent fidelity. The named brothers remind us that partnership, prayer, and simple faithfulness—grounded in Christ’s supremacy—sustain the life of the body and promote maturity in him.
Putting Faith Into Action
- Small group discussion guide
- Personal devotional
- Teaching outline (when used, avoid adding historical details about the named individuals beyond what the text states)
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank you for those who stand with us in the work of your kingdom—in prayer, in service, and in companionship. Give us hearts that pray with the fervor of Epaphras, that your people would stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Help us to welcome those who seek reconnection, to bear one another’s burdens, and to remain faithful amid hardship for the gospel. Strengthen all who share in suffering for the sake of Christ and sustain them by your grace. We submit these requests to your lordship and trust your wisdom and strength. Amen.
Memory Verse
Colossians 4:12 — Epaphras, 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. (WEB)
“Epaphras, 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.”
Bible Context
Read all of Colossians 4
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Bible Context
Read all of Colossians 4
Colossians 4
World English Bible • WEB
1Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
2Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving,
3praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds,
4that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.
5Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
6Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
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.
15Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, with Nymphas and the assembly that is in his house.
16When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the letter from Laodicea.
17Tell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.”
18I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
World English Bible (WEB) • Public Domain
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