Instructions for Servants and Masters Paul has been criticized by some for not openly condemning slavery. However, the instructions he gave to slave and master must have hastened that terrible system's end. If a servant wanted to please the Lord, he would obey his master and do his work so as to be... [ Continue Reading ]
Prayer Matters Christians cannot afford to cut the lines of communication with their Master, thus they should never stop praying (Luke 18:1-8; Luke 11:5-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Watchfulness in prayer is readiness and alertness. It may particularly refer to Christians being ready for the Lord to c... [ Continue Reading ]
Closing Greetings Tychicus was one of those who accompanied the gift bound for the needy saints in Jerusalem (Acts 20:4). Paul apparently sent this letter by him to Colossae. He also sent him to Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:12) and proposed sending him to Titus (Titus 3:12). The apostle may have sent him to... [ Continue Reading ]
Onesimus, a runaway slave, would be accompanying Tychicus on this journey to Colossae. They also may have carried the letter to Philemon at this time. Like Tychicus, Onesimus is described by the apostle as trustworthy and beloved. They would know him since Colossae was his home town. The brethren we... [ Continue Reading ]
Aristarchus was from Macedonia and had traveled with Paul as he went to take the collection to Jerusalem for the needy saints (Acts 19:29; Acts 20:4; Acts 27:2). He was also with the apostle as he journeyed toward his Roman imprisonment. It is impossible to know if he voluntarily joined Paul in that... [ Continue Reading ]
This Jesus, or Joshua, called Justus, is only mentioned here. He, Aristarchus and Mark are Jewish converts who are faithful in the kingdom. This may be especially significant to Paul because conflict with the Jews had led to his imprisonment. Also, it appears Paul's great desire for the Jews had bee... [ Continue Reading ]
It should be remembered that Epaphras was likely the one who converted many of these brethren (1:6-8). He was from that area and was a slave of the Lord. He sent greetings to them and agonized regularly in prayers in their behalf. He wanted them to grow up in Christ and be complete in their understa... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke was often Paul's traveling companion and wrote thorough accounts of his works in the book of Acts. Demas later turned from Paul and the Lord's work (2 Timothy 4:10). His love of the world was greater than his love of the truth. Paul also greeted the church at Laodicea. Special greetings went to... [ Continue Reading ]
Closing Exhortations and Blessings Paul urged the circulation of this letter and another which was written to the Laodiceans. Not only might some of the problems be the same, but the truth is always able to build up any who will listen (Acts 20:32). He also instructed the brethren to encourage Arch... [ Continue Reading ]