Episode 79: Not alone (part 2)

Paul wrote to the Colossians from prison; we can’t be sure where. But wherever he was, he has others with him whom he considered his partners in the work of the gospel. He brings greetings to the Colossians from these co-workers (Col 4:10-14). Some, as we’ve seen, are Jews; presumably the rest are Gentiles. Epaphras, of course, was well known to the Colossians, and this is one of the few places that Luke is mentioned by name in the New Testament. We know little of the man named Demas, but what we do know is a sobering reminder not to take faithfulness for granted.

What is Chunks: Paul's Letter to the Colossians?

The church in the city of Colossae had recently been founded by one of the apostle Paul's colleagues; he had never met them personally. But he had heard of their faith and of some of the challenges that threatened to undermine that faith, including what seems to be the presence of false teachers who were leading them astray. Paul therefore writes to them from prison, lovingly encouraging them to realize the treasure they already have in the gospel. In so doing, he paints a magnificent and cosmic portrait of the Christ in whom they've already believed, and in whom they've been given a new and transformed nature. His words should help remind believers of every time and place that the Christ we worship is supreme. (Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages will be read from the New International Version.)