FOR I BEAR HIM WITNESS THAT HE HAS A DEEP CONCERN FOR YOU AND FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN LAODICEA AND HIERAPOLIS: marturo (1SPAI) gar auto hoti echei (3SPAI) polun ponon huper humon kai ton en Laodikeia kai ton en Ierapolei: (Ro 10:2; 2Co 8:3)

Warren Wiersbe comments on Epaphras' prayer life writing:

I am impressed with the fact that Epaphras prayed for believers in three different cities. We are fortunate today if church members pray for their own pastor and church, let alone believers in other places! Perhaps one reason that revival tarries is because we do not pray fervently for one another. (Wiersbe, W: Bible Exposition Commentary. 1989. Victor or Logos)

What was causing Epaphras to have pain in his heart for Laodicea? Did he see the beginning of their going astray? Not that they are in GROSS SIN-- that is not what makes God want to vomit. It's COMPLACENCY that makes God want to vomit. What about you and I? Are we COMPLACENT about our Christianity? We make think that we are all right because we are not living in gross sin, but instead are living a respectable life, among the pillars of the community...you walk through the streets and everyone in Laodicea likes you and THAT IS THE PROBLEM. Jesus has warned us to beware when all men speak well of you!

This church appears to be complacent-COMPLACENCY IN CHRISTIANITY IS DEADLY. Apathetic about their relationship with Jesus Christ. You also see a church that apparently is COMPROMISED (as the subsequent demise suggests) -- they have a religion but not a relationship. They have slipped. Jesus is outside. He wants to come in and dine with them, to fellowship with them.

LUKE, THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN, SENDS YOU HIS GREETINGS: aspazetai (3SPMI) humas Loukas o iatros o agapetos: (2Timothy 4:11 Philemon 1:24)

From this verse that we know that Luke, Paul's companion on his voyage to Rome (Acts 21:2) was a physician.

Luke was Paul’s personal physician, as well as his close friend. He was a Gentile believer (see Colossians 4:11 where Paul says that  Aristarchus... Mark...Jesus who is called Justus are the only Jews who are his fellow workers - implying Luke is not a Jew, for he is certainly a fellow worker with Paul) who traveled frequently with Paul on his missionary voyages. It may, in fact, have been Paul’s recurring illnesses on the first missionary journey that prompted him to take Luke along on the second. Like Paul, he was an educated, cultured man, as evidenced by the literary quality of his Greek in his gospel and the book of Acts. His conversations with Paul were undoubtedly stimulating.

Luke is mentioned by name only two other times in the New Testament. All three times his name appears, it does so in Paul’s writings from prison

Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.  (see note 2 Timothy 4:11)

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers. (Phile 1:23, 24)

After joining Paul on his second missionary journey, he was with him for most of the remainder of Paul’s life.

Nothing definite is known about Luke’s background. According to the church Fathers Eusebius and Jerome, he was born in Syrian Antioch. Some have speculated that he was Titus’s brother, that he knew Paul when Paul was a student at Tarsus, and that he was a freed slave from the household of Theophilus (Mentioned in the prologue to Acts). Those speculations, however, cannot be proved.

Luke was the prototype of the medical missionary. Not everyone in the Lord’s service has to have a seminary degree. God’s work needs specialists too. Luke surrendered his special talent to God, giving up what might have been a lucrative private practice. In return, God gave him the privilege of writing a sizable portion of the New Testament, and of being the beloved companion of the apostle Paul.

AND ALSO DEMAS: kai Dema: (2Ti 4:10; Phile 1:24)

In Paul's final letter, 2 Timothy (See note on 2Ti 4:10)  we read that Demas had forsaken Paul and fled to Thessalonica, having loved the things of this present world more than the things of Christ. Since Colossians and Philemon were written during the same time period (see chronological chart below), Demas’ backsliding must have been rapid. What a tragedy!

Was Demas genuinely saved? In the final analysis that is God's business. In the meantime it is worth noting that as Billy Graham has said,

No man can be said to be truly converted to Christ who has not bent his will to Christ. He may give intellectual assent to the claims of Christ and may have had emotional religious experiences; however, he is not truly converted until he has surrendered his will to Christ as Lord, Savior, and Master.

Putting the question of Demas' salvation aside, is your salvation secure because it was genuine repentance and belief and not a "mind game"? Not just intellectual gymnastics but internal transformation? Not just knowledge in the head but a change in the heart, a genuine regeneration which is evidenced by a supernatural desire and general predilection (not perfection) for the things of God... His presence in quietness and prayer, His word in times of study, memorization and meditation, His sure hope of heaven, His saints in fellowship, His conviction and discipline when we sin, etc.
 

No one (absolutely no one) can serve (present tense = as a lifestyle) two masters (kurios = absolute ownership and control); for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot (present tense = as a lifestyle) serve God and mammon (wealth, possessions). (see note Matthew 6:24)

GREET THE BRETHREN WHO ARE IN LAODICEA AND ALSO NYMPHA AND THE CHURCH THAT IS IN HER HOUSE:

The brethren who are in Laodicea - Brethren in this context indicates fellow believers who composed the church in Laodicea. This church received  a stern warning from our Lord some 30 years later in the book of Revelation. What happened to them in such a short time period? Were some of the original "church members" still alive or had a completely new generation been born who lacked the fervor of the parent church? In the next verse Paul instructs them to have Colossians read to them which surely was done and yet from what Jesus says below strongly suggests they do not heed the Word they heard, at least in a lasting way.

Jesus gives His assessment of the church at Laodicea declaring...

And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: (Note on Rev 3:14)
15 'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. (Note on Rev 3:15)
16 'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. (Note on Rev 3:16)
17 'Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, (Note on Rev 3:17)
18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich, and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. (Note on Rev 3:18)
19 'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent. (Note on Rev 3:19)
20 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me. (Note on Rev 3:20)
21 'He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. (Note on Rev 3:21)
22 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'" (Note on Rev 3:22)

Guy King makes a practical and pithy comment on the church at Laodicea...

This (church) became, of course, as it grew, and developed, more organised; but, alas, not necessarily more healthy. We have only to recall the condition of the very church of the Laodiceans, that we have been thinking of, to see how gravely deterioration can set in, and deficiency become apparent. The sad record is in Revelation 3:14-22.

- There was no spirit of enthusiasm - "neither cold, nor hot": tepid!

- There was no sense of need - "I have need of nothing"; blatant self-sufficiency.

- There were many who had no spiritual relationship to CHRIST - "if any man. .. open the door, I will come in"; they had entered in the door of the visible church, but kept closed the door to the church's Lord.

What a state of church life is here revealed. It only serves to emphasize how watchful our church, and its members, should be, lest "the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful," Mark 4:19. (Colossians 4:15-18 His Kind Regard)

The church that is in her house - The churches met in homes, and believers would frequently itinerate from home to home. They fellowshipped together around the Word of God. They fellowshipped together in the breaking of bread in memory of our Lord’s death and resurrection (for the early church's plan for "church growth" see Acts 2:42-47 noting especially how the church was growing day by day!). The program of teaching the Word and evangelism was carried out from these little centers.

Whether or not the early Christians built actual church buildings in which to meet, we do not know. There is no mention of such in the New Testament. Probably in most cases, they met in individual homes, as many churches do today, especially in countries where organized Christian worship is forbidden.

With all of the stress in the modern church on large and luxurious buildings, it is refreshing to be reminded that, for many years, the Christian church met and grew in the homes of believers

Greet the church that is in their house (Prisca and Aquila). Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. (See note Romans 16:5)

The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. (1 Cor 16:19)

(Paul) to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house (Philemon's house) (Phile 1:2).

MacDonald comments that...

most of us will readily agree that the power of God in a local church is far more important than an elaborate building or fine furnishings. Power is not dependent upon the latter; luxurious church buildings often serve as a hindrance to power.  (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson or Logos)

Lightfoot reminds us:

There is no clear example of a separate building set apart for Christian worship within the limits of the Roman empire before the third century, though apartments in private houses might be specially devoted to this purpose.

Pentecost (in comments on his exposition of Philemon) writes that...

AND WHEN 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: kai hotan anagnosthe (3SAPS) par' humin e epistole, poiesate (2PAAM) hina kai en te Laodikeon ekklesia anagnosthe, (3SAPS) kai ten ek Laodikeias hina kai humeis anagnote. (2PAAS): (1Thes 5:27)

When this letter is read - Guzik comments that...

When Paul and other apostles wrote letters to churches, they simply read them publicly. It was a way for the apostle to teach that church even when he could not personally be there. It was the general practice to distribute all apostolic letters among the churches, especially those close to each other. This helps us to understand how and why the letters would have been copied almost immediately, and how slight mistakes in copying the manuscripts could come in at an early date. Apparently, Paul wrote a letter to the Laodiceans that we do not have. We should not assume from this that our treasure of inspiration in incomplete. The Holy Spirit has chosen to preserve those letters that are inspired for the church in a universal sense. Paul was not inspired in this way every time he set pen to paper. (Colossians 4 )

Read (314) (anaginosko from aná = emphatic, again + ginosko = know <> know again) literally to know again or to recognize again. It came to mean to distinguish between, to know accurately and then to read.

The church of the Laodiceans - see relation to Hierapolis and Colossae on this Map

Vincent comments that Paul refers to...

AND SAY TO ARCHIPPUS TAKE HEED TO THE MINISTRY WHICH YOU RECEIVED IN THE LORD: kai eipate (2PAAM) Archippo blepe (2PAAM)  ten diakonian hos parelabes [2AAI] en Kuriôi: (Philemon 1:2) (Lv 10:3; Nu 18:5; 2Chr 29:11; Ezek 44:23,24; Acts 20:28; 1Ti 4:16; 1Ti 6:11, 12, 13, 14,20; 2Ti 4:1, 1, 2, 3, 5) (Acts 1:17; 14:23; 1Cor 4:1,2; Ep 4:11; 1Ti 4:6,14; 2Ti 1:6; 2:2)

Say (3004) (lego) has the basic sense of “to gather with the twofold nuance of repetition and separation. Note that Paul like a military commander issues an order (aorist imperative) to be carried out  without delay, even implying a sense of urgency.

TDNT summarizes the etymology of lego...

The meaning “to gather” is often present, as is the middle “to assemble.”

c. “To count” is a derived sense as the mental gathering of similar things.

d. Along similar lines we find “to enumerate,” “to draw up,” “to enter on a list.”

e. From enumeration we move on to narration, which then yields the sense “to say,” with such various nuances as “to speak,” “to mean,” and in compounds “to contradict,” “to foretell,” “to proclaim.”

Archippus (archippos) is a name which most resources record as meaning "master of the horse"

Archippus is described by Paul as our fellow soldier (Phile 1:2) which suggests that he was willing to suffer hardship (this was the lot of soldiers in Paul's day) and was actively engaged in Christian work, not allowing himself to be entangled in the affairs of everyday life (see notes on Paul's comparison of a Christian disciple with the metaphor of a soldier - 2 Timothy 2:3; 2:4). (Related resources - Three Kinds of Soldiers - Ten Principles of Warfare; Roman Soldier by Edward Gibbon (from Decline & Fall of Roman Empire; The Roman Soldier - Description from Jewish Historian Josephus; A Few Soldier Stories and Sermons)

Take heed (991) (blepo) can denote simple voluntary observation and so mean to look at, behold. Many NT uses convey the sense of becoming aware of or taking notice of something, of perceiving or discerning or understanding.  In the aorist imperative the meaning is to do this and do it now, even conveying a sense of urgency. Paul, Archippus' fellow soldier and "commanding general" is issuing an order for Archippus to "Keep your eyes open, stay aware, be discerning, understand your ministry". As an aside Paul's The solemn charge need not imply Archippus' actual dereliction of duty.

This word blepo in secular Greek was used of bringing a ship to land. Think of your life as a "ship of faith" moving through the fog, avoiding the dangerous reefs by keeping your focus on the Lighthouse on the shore.

Spiritual gifts are a stewardship for which believers are accountable to God. Peter indicated that believers are to use gifts “as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (see note 1 Peter 4:10). Not to exercise gifts properly is to fail one’s stewardship. This fact surely must have motivated Paul’s exhortation to Archippus.

Guzik rightly concludes that in this passage Paul offers...

a good word to every one of us. But it is touching to think that this man Archippus must have been at a point of special need, because he needed this word of encouragement from Paul. It also shows Paul’s tender concern for this individual. (Colossians 4 )

Ministry (1248) (diakonia) (Click word study of diakonia)

Paul reminded Archippus that his ministry was a gift from God, and that he was a steward of God who would one day have to give an account of his work. Since the Lord gave him his ministry, the Lord could also help him carry it out in the right way. Ministry is not something we do for God; it is something God does in and through us. The NT introduces a radically new attitude toward ministry. Diakonia is not the activity of a lesser to a greater, but is the lifestyle of a follower of the Lord Jesus

Paul uses same word group diakonia that he used to describe the faithful minister Tychicus (see note Colossians 4:7). So this list of people starts with an example of a faithful man & ends with a charge to a man to be faithful. Indeed this is the charge Paul would give to us all as he ends this epistle.

Received (3880) (paralambano from para = beside + lambano = appropriate, receive) means to receive from another, to receive alongside or to take to oneself (into close association). To receive something transmitted, as spiritual instruction or truth (see 1Cor 11:23, Gal 1:9) or a ministry here in Colossians 4:17. The aorist tense looks back to the point in time when the Archippus heard the call to ministry.

Received from the Lord - Paul uses this same idea describing his reception of the gospel message from the Lord 

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures (see note 1Corinthians 15:3)

Moule contends, that in the Lord suggests an official ministry, such as elder or deacon, but any spiritual ministry, whether official or not, may be described as received in the Lord.

Note that ministry is something we seek per se, but something God gives (received in the Lord). Inherent in the verb received is also the idea of accepting what one has been allotted in ministry. There is also the idea of taking this ministry to oneself, giving the picture that one should wholeheartedly embrace the good thing bestowed which has come down from above (James 1:15). Ministry is Christ in us the hope of glory flowing through us touching those He puts us into contact with for the expansion of His Kingdom and His glory, not for our reputation or our glory. Our job is to fulfill our divine assignment and bring great glory to the Father (see note Matthew 5:16)

What ministry has Your Lord assigned to you, beloved?
Will you be a faithful steward and hear "Well, done"?

Don't procrastinate in fulfilling your ministry in His power and for His glory. There are many works that men do to please or impress others, but supernatural ministry is Christ in you, His Spirit enabling the work, and the Father receiving all the glory. (see note Matthew 5:16) How wonderful would it be to be able to say...

And they were glorifying God because of me. (Gal 1:24)

We are standing on the edge of eternity. The King will soon return to reward His faithful stewards and servants. Redeem the time. Store up for yourself treasure in heaven (see note Mt 6:20).

THAT YOU MAY FULFILL IT: hina auten plerois (2SPAS): (2Timothy 4:5 see notes)

That (2443) (hina) introduces a purpose clause and in this case explains that the purpose of telling Archippus to take heed was that he might fulfill God's ministry through him.

Fulfill (4137) (pleroo) (Click word study of pleroo) means to make full, to fill up, to fill to the brim, to cause to abound. In this verse pleroo means to fulfill the duties and demands that had been entrusted to him -- to carry them out, to perform them fully, to accomplish them.

Fulfill in this context conveys the idea that God had a definite purpose (ministry) for His servant Archippus to accomplish or "fill to the brim". Remember that your Father also has a definite purpose for your new life in Christ, as Paul explained in Ephesians writing that...

we are (see who "we are" - notes Ephesians 2:8; 2:9) His workmanship (see poiema = His "masterpiece", His "poem"), created in Christ Jesus (see in Christ & in Christ Jesus) for good works (see study of Good Deeds), which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk (peripateo) in them. (see note Ephesians 2:10)

He works in us and through us to complete those good works that He has prepared for us. Fulfill also parallels the theme of Colossians—the fullness of Jesus Christ available to each believer. We are now able to fulfill our ministries because we have been filled full of Christ Jesus.

In his last known letter Paul exhorts his young disciple Timothy to 

be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (Red = commands; see note 2 Timothy 4:5) 

Remember that Christ is example (of ministry) and we are to follow in His steps (see note 1 Peter 2:21) Jesus' ministry was solely that which the Father had given Him, for as Jesus Himself explained

Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing (how much?) of Himself, unless (what is the condition?) it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. (John 5:19)

And so we note that when His disciples returned from the city (after going to procure food) they began

requesting Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat." But He said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about." The disciples therefore were saying to one another, "No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?" Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him Who sent Me, and to accomplish (completely finish, bring to a full end thus reaching the intended goal and finishing) His work. (John 4:30-34)

Did Jesus fulfill His ministry, bringing His work to completion? In John just before He is crucified, Jesus prays to His Father and declares

I glorified Thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which Thou hast given Me to do. (John 17:4)

Then dear disciple, go and do likewise, fulfilling whatever ministry the Father has given you to do, that by it He might be greatly glorified.

Note that it is not so much my work for Him but His work through me. Do you see the difference? (in terms of initiation, source, purpose, effect, etc).

Be encouraged dear saint. Don't let anyone try to demean your work in the Lord, no matter how menial it may appear to you in this presence age, for in eternity future it will receive an entirely different evaluation! Every believer possesses a God-given ministry (in the Lord) and so each of us can say as did Paul that we possess a

ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus (Acts 20:24)

Ministry is both from the Father and for the Father's glory. Our motive should be to serve Him and seek to please Him in all things because we love Him Who first loved us. Suffering becomes an authenticating mark of a true minister of Christ (cf 2Cor 11:23-28), for the servant is not greater than the Lord. In His ministry on earth, Jesus knew suffering, opposition, and humiliation and His disciples are not to expect a "free pass" or exemption.

God-given ministry requires faithfulness, such as Tychicus modeled ("Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord," see note Ephesians 6:21). This quality, which is required before the Lord entrusts a person with a significant responsibility.

Paul writes "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. And yet I was shown mercy, because I acted ignorantly in unbelief and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus." (1Ti 1:12-14).

Faithfulness to the Father's ministry is seen particularly by obedience to the truth of God, for as Paul wrote to Timothy

In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. (1Ti 4:6)

Ministry requires loyalty to the Lord Jesus in whatever sphere He assigns, and a recognition that He alone is the Source of strength and enablement for service. Graciously He sets forth the pattern of service and also strengthens those He calls.

Guy King comments that the Archippus' ministry...

was not following upon his own initiative. GOD gave it to him, GOD sent him forth to do it. What strength that imparts to a man's call and commission, since if He sends, He must be held responsible for supplies. "Come now, therefore, and I will send thee" Exodus 3:1O - and to the reluctant Moses He gives the twofold assurance, "I will be with thee," Exodus 3:12; "I will be with thy mouth," Exodus 4:12. Again, "Go in this thy might . . . have not I sent thee?" Judges 6:14 (see note) - and the hesitant Gideon goes forth in reliance upon GOD's provision. He Who bids you onward go, will not fail the way to show." "In the Lord." We must first be "in" Him before we can work "for" Him. Every real Christian is, by His mercy, in Him, as we have reminded each other in an earlier study. Are we then working for Him, in our several ministries, as instanced above?

I PAUL WRITE THIS GREETING WITH MY OWN HAND: O aspasmos te eme cheiri Paulou: (1Cor 16:21; 2Thes 3:17)

Paul customarily used an amanuensis (Recording secretary) when writing his letters, but frequently added a greeting with his own hand (cf. (1Co 16:21; 2Th 3:17 Philemon 1:19). It probably was not easy to sign one's name with a chain around one's wrist!

REMEMBER MY IMPRISONMENT: mnemoneuete (2PPAM) mou ton desmon: (2Ti 1:8; Heb 13:3)

Bearing in mind (3421) (mnemoneuo from mimnésko = recall to one's mind) means to keep in mind, exercise memory, call something to mind or recollect. The present imperative is a command for them to continually remember his imprisonment.  The meaning is not that this memory was to occupy their minds to the exclusion of everything else but rather that their remembrance of his imprisonment would constantly recur. How could they do this practically speaking? Or asked another way, what should their remembrance of his chains stimulate? Surely, the most obvious answer is that when they thought about him, they should or would intercede on his behalf. What better way is there to remember the afflictions of fellow saints then to recall and take that recollection to the Lord in prayer! Can you imagine the "reward" that awaits those who had the privilege to pray for this mighty saint and thus co-labor with him fields that were white unto harvest? Seen in such a light, we understand that Paul's command to remember was in a sense an invitation to co-labor with him and to one day future share in the bountiful reward!

Imprisonment (1199) (desmon from déo = to bind) refers to a bond or band and then to a chain or shackle (of a prisoner). Paul was chained to a Roman guard during his imprisonment he at which time wrote epistles to the Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Timothy, Titus and Philemon - the "prison epistles".

In Ephesians Paul had stated that he was "an ambassador in chains". A T Robertson remarks that

"the chain clanked afresh as Paul took the pen to sing the salutation. He was not likely to forget it himself."

Expositors Greek Testament says

As he writes, his chain, fastened on his left hand, would impress itself on his notice. Hence the touching request, ‘Remember my bonds,’ which may bear the special sense, ‘remember in your prayers.’  (Nicoll, W Robertson, Editor: Expositors Greek Testament: 5 Volumes. Out of print. Search Google)

Henry Alford adds that...

These words extend further than to mere pecuniary support, or even mere prayers: they were ever to keep before them the fact that one who so deeply cared for them, and loved them, and to whom their perils of false doctrine occasioned such anxiety, was a prisoner in chains: and that remembrance was to work and produce its various fruits—of prayer for him, of affectionate remembrance of his wants, of deep regard for his words.

Guzik observes that ...

There is much emotion, sorrow, and strength in this simple phrase. Paul not only knew the confinement and loneliness of the prisoner; he also had the uncertainty of not knowing if his case before Caesar’s court would end with his execution. (Colossians 4 )

The writer of Hebrews echoes Paul's desire writing...

Remember (present imperative) the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body. (See note Hebrews 13:3)

Remember is in the present imperative calling for this to be a habitual remembrance, not just for a moment in time.

Writing to Timothy Paul told his young protégée...

Therefore (because God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline) do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His prisoner; but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God (See note 2 Timothy 1:8)

GRACE BE WITH YOU: he charis meth' humon: (Romans 16:20,24; 2Corinthians 13:14; 1Timothy 6:21; 2Timothy 4:22; Hebrews 13:25)

Grace (5485) (charis) (Click word study of charis) most likely refers to sanctifying grace, that transforming power which alone makes it possible to carry out Paul's instructions and commands in this epistle. God's undeserved favor, manifest in the saint's being enabled to work out his or her salvation in fear and trembling.

Guzik observes that ...

Paul’s conclusion is the only one possible for the apostle of grace, confronting a heresy emphasizing elaborate hidden mysteries and righteousness through works. We can only go forward safely in the Christian life if grace is with us.  (Colossians 4 )

And so we take our leave of Colossians with its exalted theme: the pre-eminence of Christ and His sufficiency for every believer. Beginning with grace, it appropriately concludes on the note of grace.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe.

Guy King has these closing comments on Colossians...

One word remains, to round off his Kind Regards - a word that, as a matter of fact holds the secret spring of all hope of Full Salvation - Grace be with you.

Almost all of Paul's letters begin and end with it - Romans Just ends with it. Is Hebrews by him? Anyhow, It bears his ending, this "Grace". GOD's grace, which signifies His attitude, and His aid, is a constant wonder and theme of the apostle. Both aspects of it are vividly presented in this -

"By the grace of God I am what I am; and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, but I laboured more abundantly than they all. Yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me," 1 Corinthians 15:10

We find that Peter joins Paul in magnifying the grace of GOD. There is an interesting Greek word, poikilos, which occurs several times in the New Testament, and which Peter uses twice, both in his First Epistle, and which is translated "manifold":

(a) "Ye are in heaviness, through manifold temptations," (see note 1 Peter 1:6).

(b) "Good stewards of the manifold grace of GOD," (see note 1 Peter 4:10)

Put those two things together.

On the one hand, let the five digits, all so different in character, from the thumb to the little finger, stand for the manifold trials and testings of life. On the other hand, let the five digits stand for the manifold grace. Now put the right hand over the left, and observe how the fingers of the grace hand exactly correspond to those of the temptations hand. Only an illustration; but an illustration of a beautiful fact - that whatever may be the need, there is at hand just the very grace to meet it.

So these two grand apostles, so deeply acquainted with the hazards of life, join together in bearing testimony, out of their own wide and deep experience, to the all-sufficiency of this boon of GOD, available for all emergencies. As GOD Himself said to Paul, at a time when he was in distress, on account of his "thorn in the flesh" -

"My grace is sufficient for thee," 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Our Epistle suggests many situations in which that provision for our "manifold" needs may be tested. Take out one or two, at random. To make progress in the Christian life. "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him," (see note Colossians 2:6).

We all recognise that this is essential to the healthiness, and happiness, and, indeed, the helpfulness of the Christian life. Probably, we shall all, whether in greater or less degree, desire to grow. Our problem is not What, but How? The answer is, Grace: GOD's supply for man's situation - by faith and obedience, keep clear and clean the pipeline, that the oil of grace may flow into our need uninterruptedly.

"Grow in grace," (see note 2 Peter 3:18). To stand up successfully to false teachings. "Beware lest any man spoil you . . . Let no man beguile you," (see notes Colossians 2:8; 2:18)

Just as in our day, so in Paul's day, "the faith which was once delivered unto the saints," Jude 1:3, was constantly assailed with intellectual problems, as well as moral perils. We shall not be afraid to think out our theological, and spiritual, position, but we shall be assiduously on our guard against the "vain" vapourings of untruth. in other words, we shall be wise to seek the grace of diligence in the study of the Word -

"Study to shew thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth," (see note 2 Timothy 2:15)

Through the Word of Holy Scripture, the HOLY SPIRIT will "guide you into all truth," John 16:13.

So shall there be given to us the Grace of Smell.

Does that phrase surprise you? But remember that when Paul is illustrating the various gifts of the Body of CHRIST'S Church, he indicates the necessity of this function of spiritual quality - "where were the smelling?" 1 Corinthians 12:17.

In view of the prevalence of false teaching, it is a good thing to have what a friend of mine calls "a spiritual sense of smell" - to be so instructed in the Word as to be able, almost instinctively, to detect the false. We dealt with this in our third Study.

Do you know that bit in Isaiah 11:3, "And shall make him of quick understanding"? in the margin of that verse it says that the Hebrew word translated understanding means scent, or smell, so that the One referred to shall be made by the Spirit a Person of keen scent, quickly discerning between the false and the true. This, too, is a gift of Grace.

To be the best in all home relationships. "Wives, husbands; children, fathers; servants, masters," (see notes Colossians 3:18 thru 4:1)

Happy the household where there is mutual understanding and co-operation - each for all, all for each.

"Whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it," 1 Corinthians 12:26.

Because the rest of the family know us so well, and because we are there often off our guard, home is often the hardest place in which to witness, and shine, for our Lord. But here again grace comes to our assistance - GOD's aid for the godly. Is it fair to say that the Saviour spent thirty years in the home training for three years in the ministry? Was it not the observation and experience of His way in the home that enabled Mary to say with such confidence to others in their problem, "Whatever He saith unto you, do it," John 2:5.

Yes, home is a great testing place, and a fine training ground - to pass the test, and to profit from the training calls for the daily Grace of GOD.

To give Him the first place in everything. "That in all things He might have the preeminence," (see note Colossians 1:18). What a picture and promise of the life of Full Salvation. With Him in the first place, all else will fall into its right place.

In the far-off days, when the ladies wore long gloves on going to a party, a small girl was struggling with the inscrutable problem of where to put the unending series of buttons, when her mother explained, "It's really simple. Get the top one in the top button-hole, and all the others will follow right, to the last one". That truly is the case in the spiritual life: give Him the first place, and all will follow right. But, of course, the trouble is that wretched thing Self. How subtly it enters even into our spiritual service: why are we so busy in the work? Is it with a single eye to GOD's glory, or does there enter into it any vestige of unworthy motive, any seeking after our own glory? Let us constantly beware even "the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes," Song of Solomon 2:15.

Self-control is of great importance, if He is to have the pre-eminence; but even this control is a gift of Grace, for we are not left to exercise it by our strong will and determination, for "the fruit of the Spirit is . . . self-control," (see note Galatians 5:23), margin. It is He, not we, to do it, if only we will look to Him for it. So it shall be "Not I, but Christ," (see note Galatians 2:20), which is the very essence of Grace's accomplishment in us of Full Salvation..

To continue true, without backsliding. Our eyes stray back to the group photograph, to the figure of Demas. And as we contemplate his sad decline, we recall the words of the famous old preacher, John Bradford, as he watched a poor prisoner handcuffed to a policeman,

"There goes John Bradford, but for the grace of GOD".

He will, if we will. Thus we have all the power of GOD Himself to keep us on the road. (Colossians 4:15-18 His Kind Regard)

Let Philip Doddridge close our meditation -