Col 4:10-14 | RWP | e4.org | Aristarchus ( Αρισταρχος ). He was from Thessalonica and accompanied Paul to Jerusalem with the collection ( ; ) and started with Paul to Rome ( ; ). Whether he has been with Paul all the time in Rome we do not know, but he is here now. My fellow-prisoner ( ο συναιχμαλωτος μου ). One of Paul's compounds, found elsewhere only in Lucian. Paul uses it of Epaphras in , but whether of actual voluntary imprisonment or of spiritual imprisonment like συνστρατιωτες (fellow-soldier) in ; we do not know. Abbott argues for a literal imprisonment and it is possible that some of Paul's co-workers ( συν-εργο ) voluntarily shared imprisonment with him by turns. Mark ( Μαρκος ). Once rejected by Paul for his defection in the work ( ), but now cordially commended because he had made good again. The cousin of Barnabas ( ο ανεψιος Βαρναβα ). It was used for "nephew" very late, clearly "cousin" here and common so in the papyri. This kinship explains the interest of Barnabas in Mark ( ; ; ). If he come unto you, receive him ( εαν ελθη προς υμας δεξασθε αυτον ). This third class conditional sentence ( εαν and second aorist active subjunctive of ερχομα ) gives the substance of the commands ( εντολας ) about Mark already sent, how we do not know. But Paul's commendation of Mark is hearty and unreserved as he does later in . The verb δεχομα is the usual one for hospitable reception ( ; ) like προσδεχομα ( ) and υποδεχομα ( ).

‏ Colossians 4:10-14

Aristarchus ( Αρισταρχος ). He was from Thessalonica and accompanied Paul to Jerusalem with the collection (Ac 19:29; 20:4) and started with Paul to Rome (Ac 27:2; Phm 1:24). Whether he has been with Paul all the time in Rome we do not know, but he is here now.

My fellow-prisoner ( ο συναιχμαλωτος μου ). One of Paul's compounds, found elsewhere only in Lucian. Paul uses it of Epaphras in Phm 1:23, but whether of actual voluntary imprisonment or of spiritual imprisonment like συνστρατιωτες (fellow-soldier) in Php 2:25; Phm 1:2 we do not know. Abbott argues for a literal imprisonment and it is possible that some of Paul's co-workers ( συν-εργο ) voluntarily shared imprisonment with him by turns.

Mark ( Μαρκος ). Once rejected by Paul for his defection in the work (Ac 15:36-39), but now cordially commended because he had made good again.

The cousin of Barnabas ( ο ανεψιος Βαρναβα ). It was used for "nephew" very late, clearly "cousin" here and common so in the papyri. This kinship explains the interest of Barnabas in Mark (Ac 12:25; 13:5; 15:36-39).

If he come unto you, receive him ( εαν ελθη προς υμας δεξασθε αυτον ). This third class conditional sentence ( εαν and second aorist active subjunctive of ερχομα ) gives the substance of the commands ( εντολας ) about Mark already sent, how we do not know. But Paul's commendation of Mark is hearty and unreserved as he does later in 2Ti 4:11. The verb δεχομα is the usual one for hospitable reception (Mt 10:14; Joh 4:45) like προσδεχομα (Php 2:29) and υποδεχομα (Lu 10:38).

Jesus which is called Justus ( Ιησους ο λεγομενος Ιουστος ). Another illustration of the frequency of the name Jesus (Joshua). The surname Justus is the Latin Justus for the Greek Δικαιος and the Hebrew Zadok and very common as a surname among the Jews. The name appears for two others in the N.T. (Ac 1:23; 18:7).

Who are of the circumcision ( ο οντες εκ περιτομης ). Jewish Christians certainly, but not necessarily Judaizers like those so termed in Ac 11:3 ( ο εκ περιτομης. Cf. Ac 35:1, 5).

These only ( ουτο μονο ). "Of the circumcision" (Jews) he means.

A comfort unto me ( μο παρηγορια ). Ethical dative of personal interest. Παρηγορια is an old word (here only in N.T.) from παρηγορεω, to make an address) and means solace, relief. A medical term. Curiously enough our word paregoric comes from it ( παρηγορικος ).

Epaphras who is one of you ( Επαφρας ο εξ υμων ). See 1:7 for previous mention of this brother who had brought Paul news from Colossae.

Always striving for you ( παντοτε αγωνιζομενος υπερ ημων ). See 1:29 of Paul.

That ye may stand ( ινα σταθητε ). Final clause, first aorist passive subjunctive (according to Aleph B) rather than the usual second aorist active subjunctives ( στητε ) of ιστημ (according to A C D).

Fully assured ( πεπληροφορημενο ). Perfect passive participle of πληροφορεω, late compound, for which see Lu 1:1; Ro 14:5.

And for them in Hierapolis ( κα των εν Hιερα Πολε ). The third of the three cities in the Lycus Valley which had not seen Paul's face (2:1). It was across the valley from Laodicea. Probably Epaphras had evangelized all three cities and all were in peril from the Gnostics.

Luke, the beloved physician ( Λουκας ο ιατρος ο αγαπητος ). Mentioned also in Phm 1:24; 2Ti 4:11. The author of the Gospel and the Acts. Both Mark and Luke are with Paul at this time, possibly also with copies of their Gospels with them. The article here (repeated) may mean "my beloved physician." It would seem certain that Luke looked after Paul's health and that Paul loved him. Paul was Luke's hero, but it was not a one-sided affection. It is beautiful to see preacher and physician warm friends in the community.

Demas ( Δημας ). Just his name here (a contraction of Demetrius), but in 2Ti 4:10 he is mentioned as one who deserted Paul.