Colossians 4:12

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:7-18

SECTION X. PERSONAL MESSAGES AND GREETINGS . St. Paul concludes his letter, first, by introducing to the Colossians its bearer, Tychicus, along with whom he commends to them their own Onesimus, returning to his master (verses 7-9); then, according to his custom, he conveys greetings from his various friends and helpers present with him at the time, in particular from Mark, who was likely to visit them, and from Epaphras their own devoted minister (verses 10-14); thirdly, he sends... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:7-18

Sect. 10. Personal messages and greetings. The last section of this letter is of a more purely epistolary character, and is not, therefore, so directly available as the foregoing sections for public instruction, belonging to its framework or setting as a piece of Christian teaching. Nevertheless, these closing verses have their own peculiar interest and value—great value for historical and critical purposes, connecting the Epistle as they do by the most authentic notes of circumstantial... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:7-18

The apostle's entourage. At the time when this Epistle was written Paul had a considerable band about him. Though a prisoner in Borne, he has gathered round him a troop of friends. The time has not come when he has to say, "Only Luke is with me" ( 2 Timothy 4:10 ). It is interesting to notice these he has at this time around him. I. THE LETTER CARRIERS . (Verses 7-9.) These are Tychicus and Onesimus. They carry each a letter—Tychicus this letter to the Church, Onesimus the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:7-18

The personal. I. AFFAIRS OF THE APOSTLE . He gives his reason for not entering on these in his letter. The paragraph is similar in construction to Ephesians 6:21 , Ephesians 6:22 . The difference is confined to two points. 1 . The designation of Tychicus as fellow servant. "All my affairs shall Tychicus make known unto you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord: whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:7-18

Christian greeting. As we read this last paragraph of our Epistle, we are struck: 1 . With the humanity of our holy religion. There is a natural tone about the ending of every one of Paul's letters; there is the naming of men, the greeting of friends, the talk about personal affairs. If the Bible were concerned only with systems, institutions, theories, doctrines, arguments, it would never be, as it surely is, the great heart book of the world. Its charm is its humanness. And it is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:7-18

Personal salutations and pastoral cares. The personal references in Paul's Epistles are valuable in several ways. "Proper names, although they be recited alone in the Scriptures, are not to be despised" ( 2 Timothy 3:16 ). "For like as if any one should find dry herbs, having neither fragrance nor colour that was pleasing, arranged in the surgery of a doctor, however mean may be their appearance, will yet guess that some virtue or remedy is concealed in them; so in the pharmacopoeia of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:12

Epaphras, who is (one) of you, saluteth you, a servant ( bondman ) of Christ Jesus ( Romans 1:1 ; Philippians 1:1 ; Titus 1:1 ; Galatians 1:10 ; 2Corinthians Galatians 4:5 ; 1 Corinthians 7:22 ; 1 Thessalonians 1:9 ; 2 Timothy 2:24 ; Acts 4:29 ; James 1:1 ; 2 Peter 1:1 ; Jude 1:1 ; Revelation 1:1 ; Revelation 22:3 , Revelation 22:6 ). "Of you," like Onesimus ( Colossians 4:9 ). He was a native of Colossae, as well as evangelist and minister of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:12-14

Greetings from three Gentile friends of the apostle. I. EPAPHRAS . 1 . His relation to the Colossians. "Who is one of you." A native of their city, like Onesimus. 2 . His office. "A servant of Jesus Christ"—a title often applied to the apostle by himself, and once applied to Timothy ( Philippians 1:1 )—to indicate his considerable services in the cause of Christ's gospel. He was the founder of the Church at Colossae. 3 . His love to them. "Always wrestling for you... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Colossians 4:12

Epaphras - Notes, Colossians 1:7.Always laboring fervently for you in prayers - Margin, “or striving.” Greek: “agonizing.” The word denotes the intense desire which he had for their salvation; his fervent, earnest pleading for their welfare.That ye may stand perfect and complete - Margin, as in Greek, filled. The desire was, that they might maintain their Christian principles unadulterated by the mixture of philosophy and error, and completely perform the will of God in every respect. This is... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Colossians 4:12-15

Colossians 4:12-15. Epaphras, always labouring Αγωνιζομενος , striving, or agonizing; for you in prayers The word properly denotes contending, or combating in the games; here it signifies the greatest fervency of desire and affection in prayer: that ye may stand perfect Perfectly instructed in all Christian graces, and performing all Christian duties. See 1 John 4:17; Hebrews 13:21. And complete Πεπληρωμενοι , filled with; all the will of God As being no longer babes, but grown up... read more

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