7As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. 8For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts; 9and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here.
10Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him); 11and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. 12Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. 13For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas. 15Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. 16When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. 17Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
18I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.
Interesting Words
Tychicus
(Τυχικός – Greek) – Tuchikos ► noun: from a derivative of perhaps… fortuitous, fortunate – Acts 20:4; Eph 6:21; Titus 3:12; 2Tim 4:12;
Onesimus
(Ὀνήσιμος – Greek) – Onésimos ► noun: from benefit… profitable – Philemon 1:10;
Aristarchus
(Ἀρίσταρχος – Greek) – Aristarchos ► noun: from a superlative of take, by way of dinner, began… best ruling, best leader – Acts 19:29, 20:4, 27:2; Philemon 1:24;
Mark
(Μᾶρκος – Greek) – Markos ► noun: of latin origin, according to the tradition of the church the author of the second canonical Gospel, son of a certain Mary who dwelt at Jerusalem (she was perhaps converted to Christianity by Peter), cousin of Barnabas and the companion of Paul and associate of Peter… Mark – Acts 12:12, 25, 15:37, 39; 2Tim 4:11; Philemon 1:24; 1Peter 5:13;
Justus
(Ἰοῦστος – Greek) – Ioustos ► noun: of Latin origin (“just”)… Justus, the name of three Christians – Acts 1:23, 18:7
Epaphras
(Ἐπαφρᾶς – Greek) – Epaphras ► noun: contracted from Epaphroditus… Epaphras – Col 1:7; Philemon 1:23;
Luke
(Λουκᾶς – Greek) – Loukas ► noun: contracted from Latin Lucanus… Luke – 2Tim 4:11; Philemon 1:24;
Demas
(Δημᾶς – Greek) – Démas ► noun: probably for Demetrius… Demas – 2Tim 4:10; Philemon 1:24;
Nympha
(Νύμφαν – Greek) – Numpha ► noun: probably contracted for a compound of bride and gifts (present, specially, a sacrifice)… Nymphas – One occurrence in the NT, here in Col 4:15;
Archippus
(Ἀρχιππος – Greek) – Archippos ► noun: from beginning and horses, horse-ruler… Archippus – Philemon 1:2;
Cross References
▪︎ Rom 16:17, 18, 19-20;
▪︎
1. Consider all the information you can find on each person that Paul names here, and record your observations below for each person:
▪︎ He was a faithful and beloved brother, from Asia.
▪︎ A fellow bond slave (doulos), co-worker in the gospel.
▪︎ Paul trusted him with all his affairs.
▪︎ He trusted him to take that information to the Colossians, the Ephesians, and probably others (Eph 6:21; Titus 3:12)
▪︎ He knew he would be able to encourage them with the truth about Paul’s situation.
Onesimus
▪︎ Like Tychicus, a faithful and beloved brother in Christ, but he was from Colossae.
▪︎ Entrusted with the whole story that was currently facing Paul.
▪︎ He was a convert of Paul’s while he was in prison.
▪︎ He was a run-away slave of Philemon and the subject of Paul’s letter requesting his release to serve Paul in prison (Philemon 1:10-11, 12-13), which apparently he granted (Philemon 1:14,15). Considerable “arm twisting” and peer pressure was put on Philemon by Paul (Philemon 1:17-25).
▪︎ Note also the play on words Paul uses in Philemon 1:20… benefiting (oninémi) and Onésimos, derived from benefit.
Aristarchus
▪︎ A fellow prisoner in jail with Paul.
▪︎ He was kidnapped along with Gaius from the Ephesian theater by Demetrius (and company of silversmiths making idols and shrines to Artemis)… Acts 19:29;
full text – Acts_19:23-41
28When they heard this and were filled with rage, they began crying out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. 30And when Paul wanted to go into the assembly, the disciples would not let him. 31Also some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater. 32So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together. 33Some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly. 34But when they recognized that he was a Jew, a single outcry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 35After quieting the crowd, the town clerk said, “Men of Ephesus, what man is there after all who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of the image which fell down from heaven? 36“So, since these are undeniable facts, you ought to keep calm and to do nothing rash. 37“For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38“So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against any man, the courts are in session and proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another. 39“But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly. 40“For indeed we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today’s events, since there is no real cause for it, and in this connection we will be unable to account for this disorderly gathering.” 41After saying this he dismissed the assembly.
▪︎ A traveling companion, whom Paul was willing to risk his life for (Acts 19:30),
▪︎ Note plurals during the shipwreck section. Aristarchus at least started the voyage (Acts 27:2), and may have been in that same shipwreck (Acts 27:18).
Mark
▪︎ Mark’s mother was converted by Peter, giving Mark access to eye-witness acounts to pen the second book of the NT, chronologically the first gospel of Christ.
▪︎ Paul softened his stance toward John Mark and confirmed that he was very useful to the kingdom (2Tim 4:11;). Mark eventually wrote the Gospel of Mark.
▪︎ Paul put in a good word for Mark even after the rocky start (Acts 13:5, 13; 15:37, 39;)
▪︎ Peter may have been key to Mark’s recovery.
▪︎ Peter saw John Mark as his true son in the Lord, (1Peter 5:13).
Justus
▪︎ Fellow worker of Paul who was also was a circumcised jew.
▪︎ He became a great encouragement to Paul.
▪︎ He was one of two top candidates to replace a Judas Iscariot in the twelve, Acts 1:23;
Epaphras
▪︎ He was a beloved, fellow bond-servant, faithful to Christ.
▪︎ He was a preacher and teacher of the gospel (Col 1:7).
▪︎ He was a fellow prisoner with Paul (Philemon 1:23).
▪︎ Sent his greetings to the Colossians
▪︎ He was a prayer warrior always laboring earnestly for them seeking their sanctification and full assurance (Col 4:12).
▪︎ He was like Timothy (Phil 2:20-21), always seeking Christs best interest in peoples lives.
Luke
▪︎ Beloved physician, caring for Paul physical needs.
▪︎ Specifically named as the author of the book of Acts, but hidden many times in the details behind the plural personal pronoun “we”.
▪︎ Faithful to Paul, standing by him when others had to leave (2 Tim 4:11).
Demas
▪︎ Listed initially as a fellow worker (Philemon 1:24).
▪︎ But later revealed to have abandoned the faith.
▪︎ He loved the present world and deserted Paul, going to Thessalonica (2Tim 4:10).
Nympha
▪︎ Hospitable, sacrificially having a regular church gathering in her house.
▪︎ Shares and communicates with other churches and those who meet in her house.
▪︎ A gifted person.
Archippus
▪︎ Probably younger or less mature spiritually.
▪︎ Needed prompting to find the gift God has given him, so that he may fulfill it.
▪︎ May have a military background or is good with horses.
▪︎ Probably good with people and hospitable, having a church meeting in his house.
2. What common threads do you see from the above exercise?
▪︎ There are many faithful servants of Christ seeking our good, whom we can tend to overlook.
▪︎ What a privilege to share life (cooking, driving, walking), traveling burdens, prison, and the pain and recovery of persecution with Paul.
▪︎ What it must have meant for Luke to treat Paul’s wounds and be there for him in times of trial.
▪︎ It was a very diverse group of individuals that make up leadership in Gods church.
▪︎ Proven worth and character is essential in the ministry at which we all work and labor. Good example include: Timothy (Phil2:20-21) and Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25).
▪︎ If successful, we may be able to be a part of God’s victory celebration (Rom 16:19-20).
3. What role does sin play and how does it get started?
▪︎ As in the case of John Mark, he repented of any sin that may have caused the dispute with Paul and was able to finish strong and pursue great things.
▪︎ Demas on the other hand apparently abandoned the faith due to sin and temptation.
▪︎ For Demas, it appears that he never really was transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit, and he was drawn away by the lusts of this world. His ultimate fate is not recorded in scripture.
▪︎ The problem first seen in Judas continues to rear it’s ugly head as men love the world rather than God.
4. How can we insure that we stay the course and finish strong?
▪︎ Stay in the word (study, read, memorize, meditate, listen) – 2Tim 2:15; Heb 4:12
▪︎ Meet regularly with other Christians for fellowship, discussion, accountability, prayer, training – Prov 27:17; Heb 10:24-25:
▪︎ Follow God’s leading through the Holy Spirit – John 5:19, 14:12;
▪︎ Work gently with people forgive, exhort, teach, comfortencourage.