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COLOSSIANS - Christ in you, the hope of glory!
Studies in the Letter of Paul to the Colossians

Part 5 - A Summary of the Letter and Words of Personal Greeting (Colossians 4:2-18)

26. Greetings of Paul´s Fellow Workers (Colossians 4:10-18)


Colossians 4:15-17
15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house. 16 When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.”

Paul not only sent the letter to the church in Colosse with Tychikus, but also a second letter to the neighbouring church in Laodicea. Paul recommended they visit the members of the neighbouring church, pass on greetings from him, and for the two churches to have a mutual exchange. Above all, the letter he wrote to the Colossian church was also to be officially read in the church assembly at Laodicea, and vice versa – the letter he wrote to the Laodiceans was also to be read and discussed in the assembly at Colosse. Presumably, each of the two churches had a copy of the letter they received duplicated, so that the churches possessed both letters.

The Colossian believers were also to greet Nymphas in Laodicea, in whose house the church there came together. With such requests Paul wanted to create relations between neighbouring fellowships, helping them to lay a foundation for his Scriptures. It is possible that just in this way the New Testament arose - as a collection of all important Scriptures in reference to Jesus Christ and His salvation.

Strangely enough, at the end of the letter to the Colossians the name of the presumed church leader in Colosse appeared: Archippus, who probably was responsible for ousting Epaphras and who stood critically opposed to Paul. Paul did not praise him and neither did he criticize him, but reminded him of his responsibility before God and Christ, so that he might fulfill his responsibility with the fullness of Christ. Paul had previously discussed this theme thoroughly in his letter, so that Archippus, too, might be able to gain strength and assurance. His church-office did not just consist of organizational or financial tasks, but rather, his entire spiritual accountability could only be correctly carried through as he kept in very close fellowship with Christ, that is –“in the Lord.” All church leaders should recognize that their calling can only be carried out with and in Christ.

Colossians 4:18
18 The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand: remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

At the close of the epistle, the apostle signed his Spirit-filled letter, which he had dictated to someone in his circle of helpers who was able to write, under the watchful eyes of soldiers. Paul had found, during the time of slow and careful writing on pergament scrolls, time to dictate his experiences and understanding in concentrated form. Some of his words and sentences are composed in sections or in blocks of thought. Therefore, his letters should be read many times, since every word contained therein is important.

When he, for instance, under the eyes of the guarding soldiers dictated the final words: “Remember my chains”, it may well be noted that this final reminder summed up the entire period of tribulation and suffering of Paul, from Jerusalem to Rome. It is also an indication of the cause of his imprisonment, for in fact – the legal fanatics of the Old Covenant wanted to, with every means at their disposal – bring about his death.

In this light the final words of Paul: “Grace be with you”, represent the entire summary of all his letters, teaching and spiritual existence. No personal achievement, no “good works” and no contact with angels or spirits can save a sinner from the judgment of God. Rather, the blood of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit alone are able to bring about pardon, justification and renewal. Only then, because of the free grace of Christ alone, are we able to live in HIM and with Him - for all eternity!

Prayer: We worship You, Father in heaven, because You have poured out your immeasurably great grace upon all mankind. We worship You, Lord Jesus Christ, because You died in our place and You reconciled us with the Father. We worship You, Holy Spirit, for You, for the sake of Jesus, are our life and our strength. Have compassion upon each and every solitary church and send Your ambassadors to all who are searching for truth. Amen.

Question 54: What did you understand from the personal greeting of Paul?

Second Examination to test your Knowledge of the Letter to the Colossians

Dear reader:
If you are able to correctly answer 20 of the following 24 questions you will receive from us, free of charge, a further book to build up of your faith, hope and love:

  1. How was it that Paul could write that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge?
  2. How did Paul strengthen the churches against the influence of sectarians?
  3. What does this confession of Paul mean: In Christ the entire fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily?
  4. How and for what reason did the indwelling of the triune God become possible in mortal man?
  5. In the words of Paul, what does baptism mean?
  6. Why did Paul battle against all fanatics of the law, spiritists and those worshipping angels and the spirits of the dead?
  7. What is the objective of your life?
  8. How does dying to sin occur in a practical way?
  9. Why is there often in a church, whose members come from different cultural backgrounds, so much stress and misunderstanding? How can these problems be overcome?
  10. What titles and attributes does the Apostle Paul ascribe to active church members?
  11. What problems do church members need to overcome especially among themselves?
  12. Why is the love of God the mystery of the church of Christ?
  13. How can peace be maintained in a church?
  14. Why are the words of Jesus so indispensable in their importance?
  15. How many Bible verses have you learned by heart? (Repent over it, and wilfully begin to preserve more Scripture in your heart for your own well-being!)
  16. How can we do everything unto Jesus? How can we show thanksgiving to our Father?
  17. Which verses of the Bible that describe the relationship between husband and wife appear to you as the most important?
  18. How should children and youth live in modern times if they know and love Jesus?
  19. How can all of our service and speech become divine service for Jesus?
  20. Why did Paul end his teaching and witness with the injunction to remain continuous in prayer and in the offering of thanksgiving?
  21. What do verses five and six mean in chapter four of the letter to the Colossians?
  22. What attributes or characteristics of Tychikus and Onesimus remain in your recollection?
  23. What is the significance of the names of those giving greetings at the end of the letter to the Colossians?
  24. What did you understand from the personal greeting of Paul?

Dear reader: When you send in your answers to these questions please do not forget to give your full postal address at the beginning of your test paper. Otherwise we will not be able to send you the next book as a reward. May the Lord bless you and fulfil the message of Paul in your life.

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