A main focus of Paul’s letter to Colossae was to “present every man complete in Christ” (Col. 1:28). As he closes the letter, we able to see some of those who have been instrumental in the work of the church and the detriment that one was to the work.
Paul was not a one-man band. He would be the first to tell you, I am sure, of others in the kingdom—both to lift them up and to encourage others to aspire for the same thing. There were those who were messengers on behalf of Paul (4:7-9). Tychicus was described as “our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord” (4:7-8). He was one who accompanied Paul on his journeys 20:4). This work was repeated in the Ephesian letter and in other places (Eph. 6:21-22; Tit. 3:12; 1 Tim. 4:12). He may have been one of the brethren referred to in 2 Corinthians 8:23, who were called “messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ.” Another messenger was Onesimus, also “faithful and beloved brother,” and from Colossae, “who is one of your number” (Col. 4:9). We learn from the epistle to Philemon that Onesimus was a runaway slave who was converted by Paul and sent back to Philemon. Because of these men, Paul still had an influence in the church even though he was imprisoned.
Others were an encouragement to Paul. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was a “fellow prisoner” and traveler (Col. 4:10a; Acts 20:4). He almost lost his life in Ephesus and in the shipwreck with Paul (Acts 19:29; 27:2). He is now in Rome with Paul, sending greetings. Also listed is Mark, the writer of the second Gospel. He was a relative of Barnabas (Col 4:10b). The church in Jerusalem met in his mother’s house (Acts 12:12). He turned back on his journey with Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:1-13). There was contention between Barnabas and Paul over him coming with them again (Acts 15:36-41). He later proved “profitable” to Paul for service (2 Tim 4:11). Also, there was Jesus, called Justus (Col. 4:11). He was known as a “fellow worker for the kingdom” and a comfort to Paul.
Lastly, we have Epaphras who was instrumental in the beginning of the church in Colossae (1:7-9). He was from Colossae and “labored earnestly in prayer” during his time away from them with Paul (Col. 4:12-13). Also, Luke, “the beloved physician” and author of the Gospel bearing his name and Acts. He was one who traveled extensively with Paul. Another, Demas, is listed here and in Philemon as a fellow worker (Col. 4:13, Phile. 1:24). However, in a letter to Timothy, he is mentioned as one who deserted Paul and left, having loved the present world (2 Tim. 4:10). Let us live like those that glorified the kingdom with their lives, loving the glory to come from the Father.