Relationships in Ministry

This will be our final week through the book of Colossians. Paul finishes his letter with many personal touches and greetings, which reveals a true depth to the early church’s relationships that were formed by being on mission and in ministry together.

Paul mentions 10 individuals by name in this passage as well as clearly having a heart for the wider believing community at Colossae and Laodicea. Paul had an eclectic bunch of close friends listed here: a doctor (Luke), a pastor (Epaphras), a fugitive (Onesimus), a woman (Nympha), and others from different cultural backgrounds, including Jewish (Aristarchus, Mark, Justus) and Gentile (Epaphras, Luke, Demas).

Paul and these co-workers, from all walks of life, demonstrated genuine interpersonal warmth and modeled a mutuality in community and ministry for us to emulate. Think about the Christian friends and co-workers who have made a difference in your life and pray for them this week. Thank God for sharing them with you in His call to minister and tell others of the "Good News." — Pastor Don