Colossians 4:9 - Exposition

With Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is (one) of you ( Colossians 4:7 ; Philemon 1:10 , Philemon 1:16 ; Colossians 1:2 ; 1 Peter 5:12 ). "In Christ there is no slave" ( Colossians 3:11 ). Onesimus, like Epaphras and Tychicus, is a brother, to be trusted and loved (comp. Philemon 1:10-17 ). This language strongly supports the appeal of Colossians 4:1 , and would further the purpose of the apostle's intercession to Onesimus' master. And Onesimus even shares with the honoured Tychicus in the privilege of being the apostle's messenger! All things that are happening here they will make known to you ( Colossians 4:7 ; Ephesians 6:21 ). There is, therefore, no need for any detailed account of the writer's circumstances. The solicitude which he assumes that these stranger Colossians ( Colossians 1:8 ; Colossians 2:1 ) feel on his behalf shows how commanding his ascendancy over the Gentile Churches had become.