When People Matter Most

The final words of Paul’s letter to the Colossians leave us with the unmistakable impression of the importance of ministry friends.

Many of the individuals Paul mentioned were from Ephesus.

He told the Colossians to expect to hear from Tychicus, his dear friend and fellow servant of the gospel.

Paul wrote next of Onesimus—a slave to Paul’s friend, Philemon, and Paul’s new son in the faith. Paul had led this young man to put his trust in Jesus and then sent him back with commendation to his master, Philemon. Paul urged Philemon to receive Onesimus back with grace and kindness since he would be returning not so much as a fugitive slave but as a new brother in the faith (Philemon 17).

Paul then mentioned Aristarchus, a Greek Macedonian who had also spent time preaching the gospel in Ephesus. Then Paul mentioned Mark, Barnabus’ cousin—the sickly young man who at one time had come under criticism from Paul for retreating home at the beginning of one of Paul’s missionary journeys. Yet later in this ministry, Paul wrote Timothy and urged him to bring Mark (John Mark) because he was “useful to me for ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11).

Next followed a litany of names of some of Paul’s choicest ministry companions:

And Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.-4:11-12

Though little is known of Justus, Epaphras was called out by Paul, particularly for his faithfulness in prayer.

Next, Paul highlighted Luke, “the beloved physician,” and Demas, the believers at the church at Laodicea, and an individual named Nymphas who hosted a house church in that same area.

On a very personal note, Paul relayed a message to be given directly to Archippus. He wanted to urge him to follow through with the calling to ministry that was clearly on his life at that time.

Finally, Paul did not want the church at Colosse to forget he was in prison for the gospel. Paul got personal here—possibly even emotional—as he wrote a rare but tender plea for prayer on his behalf: “Remember my chains.” A very tender closing, indeed, from a gracious servant of Jesus, no doubt pondering the final chapter of his ministry. Do you regularly and boldly call on the Lord for those who are literally in prison and often suffering great physical and emotional trauma because of their devotion to Jesus? If not, begin this important intercession today.

There are few more honorable positions to be in today than bowing before the Lord on our knees to intercede for those in chains for Christ.