Today’s passage is part of the closing remarks by Paul in his letter. In it, he names and says something about several people who are working with him. Tychicus, Onesimus (the same as you’ll see in Philemon) Aristarchus, Mark, Jesus (the one called Justus), Epaphras, Luke, and Demas. For us 2,000 years later these are just names we may breeze over, but for Paul and the Church of Colossae, they were real people with real stories. For instance, Onesimus is an enslaved man that we’ll see again in Philemon. These names are important not because they may have done something grand that everyone will remember, but because they are what makes up the body of Christ, the Church. In this, Paul takes care to not only mention them but to tell the Colossians about them. For me, this was a reminder that while we care for the collective body, for the letter to the Colossians was written to a collective body, it’s important not to forget and to care about the individuals who make up the body and their stories.

[Colossians 4.7-15]

4.7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 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.

10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 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 a comfort to me. 12 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. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Who are the people Paul mentions in this passage?

+ What do we know about them?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Is there someone I need to reach out to?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who can I pray for?