EXPOSITION:

It is a good practice, when studying any New Testament letter, to pay special attention to the opening and closing verses. This helps us to get a feel of the atmosphere and circumstance in which the letter was written and what informed its content. In the opening and closing verses of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, several of his associates in the gospel work are mentioned. There was a warm comradeship and loving brotherhood between these men. Of course this was not between these men alone, but characterized the whole congregation at Colossae under the guidance and example of these men. They had a reputation for their “love toward all saints” a “love in the Spirit” Colossians 1;4,7.  The List among others include the following: Aristarchus (Colossians 4:10), Mark (Colossians 4:11), Jesus also known as Justus (Colossians 4:11), Luke (Colossians 4:14), Demas (Colossians 4:14), Nymphas (Colossians 4:15) and Archippus (Colossians 4:17).

LIFE APPLICATION:

As we try to restore New Testament Christianity, we are not only to restore New Testament doctrine and worship, but also to revive the real brotherhood, comradeship, and fellowship that Characterized Paul and the Christians with whom he associated. When your name is mentioned in the congregation will it pass this test?