Colossians 4:7-12, “Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother, and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner greets you and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have perceived instructions – if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been of comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.”
Remember when you used to write and receive letters in the mail? Now everything gets abbreviated in emails and text messages, in communication efforts. Paul concludes his letter to the church at Colossae by publicly acknowledging faithful members of his team. Paul explicitly acknowledges these men that he had a Christian bond with and valued and helped benefit Paul’s ministry to the Colossians and states their names at the end of his letter.
- Tychicus: Was a personal representative of Paul and deliverer of the letters to the Colossians and Ephesians. He experienced danger himself and shared in having intense devotion to God and bravery. He was a loyal friend to Paul and was gifted in bringing encouragement where needed.
- Onesimus had been a slave and had robbed his master Philemon and fled to Rome to hide. However, he encountered Paul in prison in Rome and became a Christian. He became beneficial to Paul so much that Paul pleaded with Philemon to accept Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ.
- Aristarchus traveled with Paul on his initial voyage to Rome, but little is known of him except Paul refers to him as a faithful worker and a fellow prisoner during his first Roman imprisonment. Nothing is said of his position or any title. This is a reminder that someone may not mention our name in a meeting about the good things we have done, but we are still regarded as having value by the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24).
- Mark, also called John Mark, was the author of the gospel of Mark. He was also Barnabas’ cousin. Mark was a helper in the beginning to Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. Paul and Mark’s relationship was not always united, and Paul initially looked at Mark as a quitter. But Barnabas chose to give John Mark a second chance. Paul saw Mark as a risk in not having endurance. Yet, more people came to accept Christ out of the two groups of missionaries in the end. Years later, Paul recognizes his growth and progress and considered him “my fellow worker for the kingdom of God.” Mark’s beginning was not the end of his story for serving Christ. What a great lesson for us to remember regarding forgive and forget.
- Epaphras was a genuine and earnest prayer warrior for these believers. He was only mentioned three times in the New Testament. Another example to follow of one man with an outstanding legacy of faith.
- Jesus, who is called Justus only named by Paul here as a true fellow-worker. Nothing more is known of Justus. Paul gave him a one-line mention. Yet Paul did not overlook him from the list included of those that assisted Paul in preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
When you feel lonely, maybe you see yourself as merely a one-liner spoken of person; if you pray for someone’s burden, you are a worthy Christian friend, just as Epaphras was for Paul and mentioned only briefly. These men that Paul gives tribute to at the end of his letter, were designated as faithful and fellow servants of Christ Jesus. Paul recognized their value and influence upon his own life and others. So continue in being a loyal Christian friend and servant of Christ Jesus right where you are. You have more influence than you may ever realize. Stay faithful. Your beginning is not the end of your story for serving Christ. You don’t have to be famous to be an influence and used by God.
Listen to Casting Crowns Lyric Video, Thrive, 5/8/2020