What was Colossians?

Colossians refers to the people of Colossae, an ancient city in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey), as addressed in the New Testament Epistle of Paul to the Colossians. The Greek word Κολοσσαεῖς (Kolossaeis) means “inhabitants of Colossae.” Colossians were Gentile believers in Christ, members of the church at Colossae, to whom Paul wrote his letter while imprisoned (likely in Rome around A.D. 60–62). In Colossians 4, Paul closes his letter by naming individuals associated with the church and his ministry, offering practical instructions, greetings, and final encouragements.

Paul had not personally visited the Colossians (Colossians 2:1) but had a deep pastoral concern for them. The church was likely founded through the efforts of Epaphras (Colossians 1:7), a faithful servant and fellow laborer with Paul. The believers at Colossae faced various challenges, including false teachings that combined elements of Judaism, Greek philosophy, and mystical practices, prompting Paul to write this Christ-exalting letter to reaffirm the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ.

Biblical References

• Primary Reference: Colossians 4:1-18

• Other Relevant References: Colossians 1:1-2, Colossians 1:7-8, Colossians 2:1, Philemon 1:2, Acts 19:10, Revelation 3:14 (contextual cities nearby)

In Colossians 4, Paul mentions key individuals like Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, and Demas—some of whom also appear in Acts and other Pauline epistles (cf. Philemon 1:23-24; 2 Timothy 4:10-11; Acts 20:4).

What Happened in the Bible?

Paul’s letter to the Colossians ends in chapter 4 with a rich set of personal greetings and final exhortations. Tychicus is commended as a beloved brother who would inform the church of Paul‘s circumstances and encourage them (Colossians 4:7-8). Onesimus, once a runaway slave but now a faithful brother (see Philemon), accompanied Tychicus (Colossians 4:9). Paul sends greetings from several fellow laborers in the gospel: Aristarchus (a fellow prisoner), Mark (the cousin of Barnabas), and Justus. Notably, Paul states these men were the only fellow Jews among his co-workers for the kingdom of God (Colossians 4:10-11).

Epaphras, a member of the Colossian church and likely its founder, is mentioned again as one fervently praying for the believers’ maturity and full assurance in God’s will (Colossians 4:12-13). Paul also mentions Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas. Finally, he urges the church to share the letter with the Laodiceans, read their letter as well, and encourages Archippus to fulfill his ministry (Colossians 4:16-17).

Paul closes with a personal greeting written in his own hand, a customary practice to authenticate his letters (Colossians 4:18).

What It Means for Today’s Christians

The Colossians were ordinary Christians living in a culturally diverse and spiritually confused environment—not unlike our modern world. Paul‘s exhortations to them carry weight for believers today: stay rooted in Christ, resist deceptive philosophies, and remain faithful in ministry. His concern for the church’s maturity, prayer life, and doctrinal soundness remains foundational for Christian life and church health.

The mention of individuals in Colossians 4 reminds Christians that God uses a variety of people—men and women, slaves and free, Jews and Gentiles—in His mission. We are called to pray for one another, support gospel workers, and continue our ministry until it is finished (Colossians 4:17).

How Their Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The heart of the letter to the Colossians—and indeed what Paul commends to them in chapter 4—is the centrality of Christ in all things. Every person mentioned in Colossians 4 is connected by one reality: their relationship with Jesus. From Onesimus the slave to Luke the doctor, their shared faith in Christ binds them as family and co-laborers. The transformation of individuals like Onesimus (formerly useless, now useful) is a powerful testimony to the gospel’s redemptive power (cf. Philemon 1:10-11).

Furthermore, the local church, represented by the Colossians, is the living body of Christ in the world. Paul‘s encouragements in Colossians 4 show that Jesus is not only Lord of creation and salvation (Colossians 1), but also of daily relationships, prayer, communication, and faithfulness in our assignments.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. The Supremacy of Christ

Colossians as a whole emphasizes Christ‘s supremacy (Colossians 1:15-20). Even in chapter 4, the labor of ministry and prayer is rooted in the work of Christ.

2. Unity in the Body of Christ

Paul highlights a team of coworkers, showing how diverse members of the church collaborate in one mission. This theme resonates with 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12.

3. Faithfulness in Ministry

The mention of Archippus (Colossians 4:17) calls believers to persevere and complete the work God has given them. This reflects the principle found in 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

4. The Power of Prayer

Paul notes Epaphras as one “wrestling in prayer” (Colossians 4:12), aligning with Ephesians 6:18 and James 5:16.

5. The Spread of the Gospel

The directive to share the letter and exchange writings with Laodicea (Colossians 4:16) points to the early church’s commitment to gospel expansion, reminding us of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Reflection Questions

1. How can I be more faithful in praying for others like Epaphras?

2. Am I using my gifts to support the body of Christ, as seen in the ministry team Paul lists?

3. In what ways am I continuing in the work God has given me, like Archippus was exhorted to do?

4. What does it mean for me to be “fully assured” in all the will of God?

5. How can I encourage others in the church to remain steadfast in Christ?

The Colossians may have lived nearly 2,000 years ago, but their struggles, strengths, and spiritual journey remain relevant for every believer today. Their story calls us to hold fast to Christ, walk in unity, and fulfill the ministry entrusted to us until the end.