Keraia
Colossians 4

Colossians 4:10

Greetings from Paul’s Fellow Workers · Colossians 4:7–14
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Translations

Modern
My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him.
Traditional
Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
Literal
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you received commands—if he shall come to you, welcome him—
Latin
Salutat vos Aristarchus concaptivus meus, et Marcus consobrinus Barnabæ, de quo accepistis mandata: si venerit ad vos, excipite illum:

Original

Greek
English
My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him.

Notes

Colossians 4:10

  • Aristarchus was a common name, but he was probably the same man from Thessalonica who traveled with Paul to Rome (Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2). Acts does not mention Aristarchus was also arrested, so he might have chosen to stay in prison with Paul to support and help him.

  • Mark the cousin of Barnabas joined Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary trip but left before it ended (Acts 13:13). This caused a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas before their second trip (Acts 15:37–40). Paul and Mark seem to have reconciled at some point (see also 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:24).

  • You have already received instructions: There is no other record of this message.

Colossians 4:10–14

Out of the six people named, five are also mentioned in Philemon 1:23–24.

Colossians 4:7–18

Most New Testament letters end with greetings and mentions of co-workers and travel plans. But this section of Colossians is longer than usual. Since Paul could not travel, he might have wanted the Colossians to stay connected with his co-workers. This would help them avoid being misled by false teachers.

Theme notes and profiles

John Mark Paul (Saul)

Parallels

Romans 16:21–23

People

Aristarchus: Macedonian companion of Paul, fellow prisoner Barnabas: A Levite from Cyprus who accompanied Paul on missionary journeys Barnabas' father: A close relative of John Mark Mark: Cousin of Barnabas, companion of Paul, author of Gospel

Glossary

Aristarchus Barnabas Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of the Acts of the Apostles John Mark Letter to Philemon Letter to the Colossians Marcus Paul the Apostle

Topics

Aristarchus: A Companion of Paul Christian Minister: Duties of the Church To Mark: A Nephew of Barnabas Mark: Fellow-Worker with Paul at Rome Mary: Mother of Mark and Sister of Barnabas Religious Zeal: Exemplified