TEXT: Colossians 4:7-18

SUBJECT: Colossians #13: Personal Remarks

If you want to know something about a pastor, listen to his private conversation. A few minutes of that may tell you more about the man than a year's worth of preaching.

That's what we have here: Paul's private conversation. In Chapters One and Two, he proved and defended the sufficiency of Christ. In Chapters Three and Four, he applied that doctrine to life in the home, at work, in the church, and in the world.

But now he's done. He closes the letter with a few personal comments. To the first readers, they must have been very interesting! But what about us? Do they speak to us? They do. They show us the heart of a man deeply committed to Christ and ministry. They tell us what maturity is. What leadership is. What it means to "Live godly in Christ Jesus".

If we pick up these things in his closing remarks, our time will be well spent indeed. May God give us the understanding. For Christ's sake. Amen.

OMISSIONS

The first thing to notice is what Paul doesn't say. Read the words a hundred times, and you won't find a trace of gossip, boasting, envy, or bitterness.

I'm sorry to tell you: Pastors aren't always free of these things. In Paul's day, many were ruled by "envy and strife"; they "gossiped about [each other] with malicious words". These were the men who led God's people! No wonder the Church in that day was so divided!

And still is. For the same reason. "Where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing will be there".

Having attended many conferences, seminars, and fraternals, you can take my word for it. Pastors would do well to follow Paul's example. And leave some things unsaid.

These are some things Paul didn't say. Now, let's see what he did say.

RECOMMENDATION

In vv.7-9, Paul recommends two men to the Church: "Tychicus and Onesimus".

The former he calls "A beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant".

He's a "Beloved brother". This recalls the equality of God's people. Paul is an Apostle; Tychicus is not. But the difference is one of calling--not of grace. Paul is the greatest man in the world, but he doesn't look down on other believers. They're loved by the same Father, Redeemed by the same Son, and Indwelt by the same Spirit. All believers are children of God. Paul no more than Tychicus. Me no more than you. You no more than the newest, weakest, and most annoying believer on earth.

Because Tychicus is Paul's brother, he is loved. Paul cares for him, helps him, and is loyal to him. It's the brotherly thing to do.

He's also a "Faithful minister". Minister doesn't mean pastor or evangelist, but servant. What Tychicus did, we don't know, but we know how he did it--faithfully. He was conscientious; he was reliable; you could count on the man!

He stands out here. Many believers are great talkers, but when it comes to doing what they say, well, you can't count on that. The problem is an old one: "Most men will proclaim their own goodness, but a faithful man, who can find?"

Here's one: Tychicus. He wasn't flashy; he wasn't brilliant; he wasn't creative. But he was a solid man. He was faithful. And in "Stewards...that is required".

Paul's friend was also "A fellow servant". The key word here is "fellow". It means Tychicus was Paul's partner in ministry. Again, what he was did, we don't know. Maybe he took dictation; maybe he ran errands. His work might have been the most trifling of things.

But Paul recognized it as Gospel ministry! Maybe Tychicus couldn't preach the Word or defend the Gospel. But he could give Paul "a cup of cold water". In doing that, he became Paul's fellow servant". High praise.

That's the first man. The second is "Onesimus". Like Tychicus, he is a "Faithful and beloved brother". But he's more than that: He's also "One of you".

He's a member of the Colossian Church. Who had come to see Paul and to encourage him in the Lord. How refreshing his visit must have been!

These are good men to have around. But Paul is sending them to Colossae. Do you know why? So they could "Make known to you all things that are happening here".

The Colossians care about Paul. They want to know how he is and what he needs. Paul sends the two brothers back with a good report. The goal of which is to--raise more money? No, that's not it. He wants to "Comfort [their] hearts".

This mutual love is a wonderful thing. Especially when you remember that Paul and the Colossians had never met!

What does this tell you about Paul and the Colossians? It tells you they had a sense of the oneness of God's people. Paul was not a member of that church. But so what? He cared for them. And they cared for him.

Do we feel this way about other believers and churches? Do we make an effort to meet them? To pray for them? To help them? What are we doing to fulfill our Lord's great prayer?

"That they may all be one,

Paul was doing his part. The Colossians were doing theirs. Are you doing yours? Am I doing mine? God help us both. For Christ's sake.

GREETINGS

In vv.10-14, we have a series of greetings. Several men are staying with Paul; they love the Colossians too. And send their best.

The first is "Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner". Like Paul, the man is in jail. Yet he doesn't sink into self-pity. He too cares about the brethren and wishes them "Godspeed".

The second is "Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you have received instructions. If he comes, welcome him). This is a good name to see on the list: Mark. Years before, he had proved himself unfit for the ministry. With Paul and Barnabas, he sailed to Cyprus to preach the Gospel. But unlike them, he chickened out and ran home to Mama! Some time later, Paul and Barnabas went back. Barnabas said, "Let's give Mark a second chance". But Paul wouldn't hear of it! "Out of the question!" he thundered. Mark was not reliable. Paul and Barnabas fell out over this and went separate ways. Paul took Silas; Barnabas took Mark. This time, Mark proved himself. He kept on doing that.

Paul took notice. He's glad to have Mark now and recommends him to the Church.

This tells us that Paul wasn't unforgiving or pig-headed! Mark had done him wrong. But one sin doesn't exclude a man for life. When Mark became a reliable man, Paul relied on him and urged others to do the same. No hurt feelings to nurse; no pride to maintain.

The third is "Jesus who is called Justus". He, along with Mark and Aristarchus, are the only Jews in Rome who love Paul and comfort him in his chains.

The fourth man is "Epharas". He's also a Colossian in Rome. He spends all his time in "Laboring fervently for [them] in his prayers, that they may stand perfect and complete in the will of God...He has a great zeal for the [Colossians], and those in Laodicea and Hierapolis".

Paul uses an interesting word. Epaphras "labors" in prayer for them. The word means to "work till you drop". When done right, prayer is exhausting. This dear brother knocked himself out pleading with God for the saints in Asia Minor.

What he wanted most for them wasn't a safe or easy life, but maturity in the will of God. That they might know God's will and do it from the heart.

What a good work he did! Will someone else do it? Will someone pray for this church they way he did for that one? If he did, we might see revival. Who's up to it? God give us someone!

Two others are "Luke and Demas". Luke is Paul's personal doctor and dearly loved for his care. As for Demas? He was a hypocrite (though Paul didn't know it at the time).

These greetings prove that Paul's life had had an effect on his friends. He loved believers he hadn't met. And so did they.

Do pastors have this effect on their people today? I fear we don't. We get worried if a member visits another church or speaks well of another pastor. After all, we might lose him! This is nothing but "rivalry". Which Paul calls "a work of the flesh".

A good pastor wants you to love other pastors! A good church wants you to love other churches! Instead of being so critical and paranoid, let do what Paul did: "Stimulate unto love and good works".

A SPECIAL GREETING

Though Paul loves all the saints in Colossae, one person has a special place in his heart: "Nympha". She is a dear sister who let the church meeting in her home.

Women occupy an important place in the Early Church. They don't teach or rule men, but they serve Christ in many other ways. And Paul takes notice of them. He greets Nympha; he commends Phoebe; he labors with Euodia and Syntyche; and so on.

Dear Sister, don't ever think there's nothing for you to do in the Church. Brother, don't let our dear ladies and girls think that way!

Sisters have many things to do at Church. And not just nursery duty, and clean up! God forgive the men who smother female gifts!

EXHORTATION

Next, we have an exhortation, v.16: "Now when this Epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the Epistle to the Laodiceans."

The Early Church didn't have New Testaments. The letters of Paul were read, copied, and sent on to the next church. This way, all the churches received God's Word. Laodicea was very close to Colossae, and they got it next.

The Colossians would get something in return: "The Epistle to the Laodiceans". Another letter Paul wrote. Was it inspired? It was. Do we have it in our Bibles? No we don't.

Why don't we have that Letter? Because we don't need it. If God had wanted His People to have "Laodiceans" He would have saved it for us. Don't worry about these things.

A GENTLE REBUKE

In v.17, we have a gentle rebuke: "Say to Archippus, `Take heed to the ministry that you have received, that you may fulfill it".

Archippus is a leader in the Church who's falling down on the job. Maybe he's lazy; maybe he's scared; maybe he's preoccupied with other things. Paul doesn't fire him. He doesn't lambaste him. He doesn't excommunicate him. He kicks him in the pants, and says, "Get with it!"

Nobody likes to be rebuked. Even gentle ones hurt. But isn't this better than letting things go on and on and on?

Till things become impossible to live with?

FAREWELL

Paul closes the letter with his own signature. He did this in all his letters (cf. II Thessalonians 3:17). His handwriting, it seems, was so distinctive that no one could miss it or forge it. In this way, Paul kept impostors from writing letters in his name. And so misleading the people of God.

"Remember my chains" is a reminder that he needs their prayers and help. He's not too proud to ask for them.

"Grace be with you". Paul wants them to enjoy every blessing in Jesus Christ. They come to sinners through grace--and grace alone.

CLOSE

You're not an Apostle and don't write inspired letters. But you do speak to God's people now and then--don't you?

Do you speak the way Paul did? Do you omit what he omitted--gossip, boasting, and bitterness. You ought to. For they displeases God, hurt others--and make you look bad too! God give you the grace to "Bridle your tongue".

Do you say the things he said? Do you let others know you're thinking of them and care about them? Do you speak well of other believers--especially leaders in the Church? Do you gently rebuke those who need it? Do you ask for prayer? Do you wish others "Godspeed".

If you spoke that way, you'd please the Lord, help others, and obtain "a good name [which] is better than great riches".

I hope these closing comments have been a blessing to you. God make them so. For Christ's sake. Amen.