Lesson 14: The Gospel Team and the Final Charge

Colossians 4:7-18 — study notes

Scripture: Colossians 4:7-18 (ESV)

7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.

8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,

9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions — if he comes to you, welcome him),

11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.

14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.

15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

17 And say to Archippus, "See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord."

18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

1) Introduction

The mission of Christ moves through faithful people, mutual encouragement, and perseverance in community. In this final lesson we see Paul's closing words for the church at Colossae, with an emphasis on teamwork, suffering, encouragement, and responsibility.

2) The Mission of Christ

As stated by Jesus Himself, our mission is to preach the Gospel and make disciples.

Read Matthew 28:18-20 (the Great Commission).
This is done as God works through faithful people who are called and are living out their faith.
It can only happen when the church works together — everyone doing their ministry, encouraging one another, and loving one another.

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)

18 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

3) Paul's Messengers (Colossians 4:7-9)

These were brothers who helped in Paul's ministry by taking his various letters to the churches and circulating them among the churches in a given region.

Tychicus: the messenger of three letters from Paul (Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon). A native of Asia Minor and a fellow traveler of Paul, he may have been commissioned by the churches to carry offerings from one or more of them (see Acts 20:4; 2 Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:12).
Onesimus: a member of the house of Philemon and his slave. He was converted to Christ through Paul's ministry and became a devoted attendant and friend of Paul. It is possible he traveled with Tychicus to deliver all three letters, or that he was sent to Colossae so he could be returned to Philemon and deliver that letter to him.

4) Greetings from Paul's Companions (Colossians 4:10-14)

We read greetings from various companions and coworkers of Paul — men who had devoted themselves to the message of the Gospel.

Paul mentions six names. Three were Jewish Christians (Aristarchus, Mark, and Jesus called Justus), and the rest are Gentile Christians (Epaphras, Luke, and Demas).
Epaphras was mentioned earlier in Colossians and was the one who informed Paul about the heresy that was occurring there.
All were a great help to Paul, especially during his imprisonment.

5) Paul's Final Greeting and Commission (Colossians 4:15-18)

Paul closes the letter with personal greetings and a final word to faithful servants of Christ.

Paul gives his final greetings to the church and to specific brethren.
He then gives a commission to Archippus — but also to us: "See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord."

Action Plan for This Week

Write two encouragement messages. Send a text, email, or handwritten note this week to faithful servants — leaders, volunteers, quiet helpers.
Choose one ongoing commitment. Pick something to pursue for the next 8-12 weeks — prayer, serving, evangelism, or mentoring.
As a group, set one shared mission step. A prayer list, an outreach meal, or a service project.