The pattern for Paul (and for most of the other New Testament letter writers) is to close each letter with some specific “thank you” messages and some notes of “greeting” to those at the church for whom the letter is addressed.

After exploring so many great and deep passages in Colossians, it can be so easy to dismiss these passages. But… within them, we are often introduced to some saints (and a few sinners) who we can learn from.

In Colossians 4: 7-9, Paul reveals his trusted “delivery men” for the Prison Letters, Colossians & Philemon: Tychicus & Onesimus (who was a Colossian) ------------------------------- Tychichus – Acts 20:4; Eph. 6:21; 2 Tim. 4:12

Although he was a great help to Paul in his ministry after he became a Christian (and especially during his imprisonment), Onesimus was sent back to Colossae primarily on a mission of reconciliation with his former “master” Philemon; from whom he ran away and is a church leader.

Philemon 1: 15-18 15  “Perhaps the reason [Onesimus] was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. 17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.”

“The Men Who Stayed” 1.) Aristarchus – risked his life for Paul on multiple occasions (riots, shipwrecked) 2.) John Mark – Cousin of Barnabas. Redeemed himself after abandoning Paul 3.) Jesus/Justus – “Man of Mystery”??? 4.) Luke – Doctor, accompanied Paul often

“The Man Who Prayed” Colossians 4:12 “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.”

After identifying Demas as one of “The Man Who Strayed” After identifying Demas as one of his fellow ministry workers who sends greetings in this letter; Paul would report that Demas had backslidden into sin and rejected his calling in his final letter.

1 John 2: 15-16 15 “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world —the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father, but from the world.”

As Paul gets ready to close the letter to the Colossians, he makes certain to add a note of encouragement and exhortation to a local church leader, Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

in Philemon, so I could imagine his intent being: Paul calls Archippus his “fellow soldier” in Philemon, so I could imagine his intent being: “Complete your mission, soldier. I just talked to our Commanding Officer. He hasn’t forgotten you. Take heart, son. We’re all in this battle together.”

Colossians 2: 9-10 9 “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and you have been given fullness in Christ. (you have been made complete in Christ) He is the head over every power and authority.”

Colossians 3: 9-10 “…You have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

Layer 1: Compassion Kindness Humility Gentleness ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Layer 2: Patience Forbearance Forgiveness Love Layer 3: Peace Thankfulness