I will be out of the office (at work and at home) from Thursday, February 26 through Monday, March 2. If there is anything you might need while I am away, please have a little chat with God. He has all the answers.

Seriously, I will be gone and posting some older blog pieces, but regardless of where I am or what I’m doing, I know that God is with me and is “able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20) I pray that you know this as well.

Have a great weekend! See you again on Tuesday.

Lessons from Colossians – Part 2

Today I’ll continue to discuss the Book of Colossians and some of my observations that I made while reading through this short book recently. I pray that you will find encouragement in Paul’s words and I have.

I was impressed by the number of individuals mentioned by Paul in this short four-chapter book. These were believers who stood out in his mind for their faith, love and commitment to Christ.

We start with Epaphras, who is mentioned twice in Colossians and who apparently is with Paul in Rome instead of in Colossae. Paul was impressed with this man and we can see that by his words.

“You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.” (Colossians 1:7 – NIV) Epaphras was instrumental in sharing the Gospel with his friends in Colossae, Laodicea and Heirapolis. He was an evangelist and Paul felt admiration for his work.

“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.” (Colossians 4:12-13 – NIV) We see here that Epaphras was also a man of prayer. He prayed diligently for those in Colossae that they might not believe the untruths being taught in their city.

In chapter four of Colossians, Paul speaks of nearly a dozen believers who either send word to the Church or to whom he wanted a word of encouragement spoken. These are dear saints to Paul and his desire for them to be acknowledged was important.

Tychicus was sent by Paul with the letter to the Church at Colossae. He was a dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord and a trusted confidant. Tychicus traveled on Paul’s behalf and was his representative on more than one occasion. Paul speaks of him here in Colossians 4:7 (NIV) as being “a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.” The purpose for Paul sending him to Colossae was to share the news of what was happening with Paul and to encourage their hearts.

Then Paul mentions Onesimus. Onesimus was a slave of Philemon who lived in Colossae. Onesimus had stolen from Philemon and had run away. After meeting Paul and hearing the Gospel, Onesimus converted to Christianity and was prepared to go back and face his slave owner. The letter Philemon was probably delivered during this same visit.

Paul’s words about Onesimus were encouraging. “Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you.” (Colossians 4:9 – NIV). Paul loved Onesimus and considered him a son. “I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you.” (Philemon 1:12 – NIV) This was a difficult decision for Paul, but he knew it was the right decision.

And Paul isn’t nearly done. He mentions a fellow prisoner, Aristarchus, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. These gentlemen sent their greetings to the Church at Colossae (Colossians 4:10).

He also mentions Jesus, a.k.a. Justus (Colossians 4:11). This particular name caught my attention for obvious reasons and there doesn’t seem to be much information about this Jewish Christian, but he was a co-laborer with Paul in Rome who worked for the kingdom of God and had provided comfort to Paul. Jesus sent greetings to the Colossian Church.

Paul mentioned two others who sent greetings. Paul’s dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas (Colossians 4:14). We know Luke and we should know more of Demas, but Demas deserted Paul for his love of the world and this account can be found in 2 Timothy 4:10.

Paul then shares his own personal greetings with a select few. In Colossians 4:15, Paul asks that greetings be sent to the brothers at Laodicea. Paul apparently wrote a letter to this church (Colossians 4:16), but we have no record of Paul’s words. How exciting it would be to read his message to them. Unknown words. Unknown reasons. Unknown message.

Nympha (Colossians 4:15) was another faithful servant who opened her home for the message of God’s Word to be preached. The church that met in her home was also greeted by Paul. How encouraging it must have been to her and this group to be given this specific greeting from Paul.

Finally Paul speaks to Archippus. This is the most direct message and very specific in this letter. “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” (Colossians 4:17 – NIV)

Archippus is also mentioned in the Book of Philemon as being a “fellow soldier” (Philemon 1:2). Paul’s encouragement to this man would have been exhilarating. It would have helped him to understand that what he was doing was for a greater purpose.

Encouragement is a wonderful tool given to us, but sometimes we are a bit too stingy with the words. Paul certainly had no intention of keeping the words to himself. He encouraged when he could and the Book of Colossians shows us just how important Paul thought it was.

How are you encouraging others? How are others encouraging you? It’s a two-way street and we are all called to encourage one another (2 Corinthians 3:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13).

Today, let’s use Paul’s example of encouragement and see how many we can encourage along the way. And you just may be encouraged as well!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna