Colossians 4:1-14 – Encouragement
There are several people who were with Paul during his imprisonment who wish to join with him in sending greetings to the church in Colossae. They are, of course all individuals with their own particular characteristics, but they can be grouped together to illustrate certain values:
The first three, Aristarchus, Mark, and Jesus could be described as ‘gracious comforters’. All three were Jews and all were companions with Paul in his journeys and in his sufferings. More is known of Aristarchus and Mark than of Jesus. Aristarchus came from Thessalonica, suffered at the hands of the mob in Ephesus (Acts 19:29) and travelled widely with Paul (Acts 20:4, 27:2). Mark was the writer of the second gospel, the cousin of Barnabas; a man who had failed (Acts 15:36-41) but had been restored and was very dear to the heart of Paul (2 Tim. 4:11). The little that is said about Jesus is the best thing that could be said about any believer; he was righteous.
These three men were the only three Jewish Christians in Rome who stood with Paul and helped him in his work of ministry and evangelisation. It was perhaps a source of disappointment to Paul that so few of his ‘kinsmen after the flesh’ had come to faith in the city of Rome. The contribution that they made to Paul’s ministry was tremendous for they are described as bringing encouragement to the apostle. There was so much in the life and ministry of Paul that could have been discouraging; he was persecuted, beaten, mocked, shipwrecked, mocked and imprisoned and generally given a hard time. How important therefore were those faithful brethren who remained with Paul through all his trials and gave him encouragement in the Lord. It is difficult to estimate the good that is done for the kingdom of God by those who encourage their fellow believers.
Questions
- Think about how you could encourage a fellow believer this week.
Prayer Points
- Pray that you would be an encouragement to a fellow Christian.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.