As a mom of three girls, it is a rare day when no sibling unrest occurs. Despite the conflicts, usually they play without needing my assistance for some time. They often figure out how to reconcile their differences alone. Yesterday, however, was not one of those days.
Somewhere between dragging them to the phlebotomist with me and grabbing school supplies, two girls were fighting. One was being selfish, the other self-righteous. One was crying, one pouting. It occurred to me after much repeated correction (this went on for some time) that once the issue was over and the cosmic balance of our home had been restored, I had not made it a point to sit down with either of them and just talk about what had happened. Between the busyness of the day and the struggle to call an effective cease-fire, by the time it was over I think we all just wanted to forget about it.
I feel like I forgot to be a parent. Comfort and convenience have a way of producing selective memory. Maybe we will revisit World War 3 today…
Anyway, Paul does not seem to have this problem with churches. Paul never forgets to parent God’s church. First, he instructs and corrects. Correction is almost always followed up by exhortation.
In the closing of Colossians, Paul’s final address stresses the importance of inclusion and unity. He mentions ten specific people, including himself, as well as an entire church body. He urges the people in the Colossian church to “welcome” and accept them. Consider his words.
“Tychius...is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him…
Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you…
Aristarchus my fellow prisoner…
Mark, the cousin of Barnabus…welcome him…
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…
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Jesus Christ…for I bear him witness...
Luke the beloved physician greets you as does Demas…
Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house…
…I, Paul…remember my chains.”
Why does Paul name these people? What is the point?
Doubtless, this is a father managing his children. He is saying, “Hey guys, I’m not there but here comes your brothers and sisters. Here’s how they’ve served me, you, and the Lord faithfully. These people are part of God’s kingdom. Welcome them. Accept them. Treat them as your own. Consider their sacrifices for the gospel and include them as your own when they come to you. It couldn’t be more clear what Paul is saying here.
Why would Paul close his letter this way? What reason would he have to tell them these things and name these individuals?
Paul spent his efforts on this letter making sure the Colossians knew who not to listen to. Perhaps he does not want them to get conveniently confused.
Tychius was a fellow minister. Onesimus had been a poor slave who’d been converted from a particularly wicked lifestyle. Mark had been at odds with Paul previously. Epaphrus prayed fervently for these people. Jesus, now called Justus had changed his very name out of respect for the Redeemer. Luke was a doctor. Nympha was a woman who held church in her home. Archippus was of the of the ministers in Colosse with them. Paul himself was a prisoner for the gospel and an overseer of the churches.
Surely the temptation was to exclude certain types of people from the church. Little wonder why Paul does this end of letter name dropping. These mentioned are very different types of people. There is no doubt Paul mentions them by name so that the Colossians make no mistake.
These are your people, church. These – the pastors as well as the paupers. Those from the wrong side of the tracks just the same as the doctors. The women as well as the men. The ones who have had differences with me and you as well as the chum buddies who’ve been serving alongside you.
Welcome them. They are all beloved. They are all your brothers. They are all faithful. They are all of you. Greet them. Hear them. Include them. Welcome them.
Remember me.
~Love, Dad
“The meanest circumstance of life, and the greatest wickedness of former life, make no difference in the spiritual relation among sincere Christians: they partake of the same privileges, and are entitled to the same regards.” ~Matthew Henry
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