Colossians: Alive In Christ Paraugs

The end of Paul’s letter is the kind of passage that we may be tempted to ‘skip over’, as it might seem that it’s just a series of references to people and greetings. This would be a mistake as God has also inspired this part of Colossians, and so we trust that there’s much here to instruct us as well! We learn in these verses about Paul’s fellow gospel workers who are being sent to Colossae by Paul. 

First of all we meet Tychicus, who comes highly recommended and had been sent to encourage the Colossians (presumably also by delivering Paul’s letter to them). Tychicus is described in verse 7 as a: 

• 'dear brother' – gospel workers aren’t meant to be rivals, nor professionals, but a network of brothers and sisters working together in love for each other. 
• ‘faithful minister’ – starting spectacularly well isn’t an indication that a leader will finish well. Faithfulness is the characteristic of ministry that comes through time and testing. Tychicus proved this in the long term – staying faithful with Paul to the end of his ministry (see 2 Tim. 4:12). 
• ‘fellow-servant’ – as mentioned before, the word ‘servant’ is probably better translated as ‘slave’. Paul and his team of gospel workers didn’t see themselves as celebrity speakers but as people owned by a Master.

Secondly, we meet Onesimus. He isn’t described as a minister, but as a brother (v. 9). The congregation would have known Onesimus as he was ‘one of you’ (v. 9). Notice, though, that Onesimus, despite being a slave (see Philemon), is treated by Paul in the same way as his own associates in ministry – and is, more importantly, described as a dearly loved and faithful brother. Here we see the radical effects of the gospel on relationships and social status (see 3:11 and 3:22 – 4:1). The marginalised and disregarded become our brother and sister in Christ. Being converted to Christ changes everything about who we are. 

Reflection

1. What material does this passage give you for your spiritual leaders?

2. Are there believers in your context who you might not treat as dearly loved brothers and sisters? How might you change that?