Colossians 4: 10 - 13 and Acts 13:13; 15: 36 - 41
Paul continues acknowledging the persons that have proven themselves helpful and valuable to him. And we continue to glean lessons for ourselves from the traits that are evident in these co-workers.
Paul calls the name of his fellow prisoner, Aristarcus. We know very little about him. But we do know that he stood by Paul. He was from Macedonia. He was one of the disciples arrested after the riot in Ephesus (Acts 19). He was with Paul when he was being taken to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 27:1 - 2). And here we see him a fellow-prisoner. Aristarchus was a man who was willing to stand by Paul through the toughest times, the hardest circumstances. I think Paul could count on this man to never run away, even when staying proved personally very costly! So I ask myself, with whom am I willing to stand - regardless? What will I stand for even when the personal cost soars high? Are you an "Aristarcus" for someone?
Then there is Mark. We know a little more about this man. You read the confrontation in Acts 13 and 15. Why did Mark leave Paul and Barnabus? We don't know. There is interesting speculation that may or may not apply ... homesick? scared? immature? too hard? ... we don't know. But Paul obviously saw it as abandonment ... and wanted nothing more to do with this man. That has changed ... Paul has forgiven Mark ... and now commends him to the church in Colosse because he has become a vital part of the church and its work. Mark was a close companion of Peter. Peter even refers to him as "my son" (1 Peter 5:13). Mark was the author of the gospel that carries his name, probably gleaning the stories and encounters from Peter himself. So what do I take for myself from this mention of Mark? Forgiveness matters. It is life-blood in the ebb and flow of life. We have all failed at different times and in different circumstances in our lives. So have the people connected to you. Forgiveness matters. Don't hold yourself or someone you care about hostage to a past failure. Forgiveness sets free. Paul models this for us with the man Mark.
Paul mentions 'Jesus who is called Justus'. All we know of this companion is that he was a Jew. That is no small thing! This Jewish man had so embraced faith in Christ as Messiah that he was willing to stand with this prisoner. Truly - one of God's chosen people!
The last companion we will think about today is Epaphras. Epahras was a minister and had been instrumental in the gospel being spread in Colosse. (Look back at Colossians 1:7). Paul confirms to these believers how much Epaphras loves and cares for this church and its neighbors (Laodicea and Hieropolis). In fact he "wrestles in prayer" over them and for them. There is my personal lesson from this man ... for whom do I "wrestle in prayer"? What does it even mean to "wrestle in prayer"? Do you feel that you have done that? Or is your (and my) prayer life much easier than that? I don't have much context to grasp the concept of wrestling. My daughters, when they were small, "wrestled" some with their dad ... but it was all fun and laughter. I had students on wrestling teams in high school. It involved discipline, practice and skill. Maybe that moves us a little closer to the meaning. Instead of "wrestles", the New American Standard Bible translates this idea as "labors earnestly for you in prayer." Now I begin to get a better sense of the concept. I know what labor is - hard work! It is the word used when delivering a baby ... some of you know that kind of labor! And it is not done until it is done. The word "earnestly" is a Greek word that means "to be hot, to burn, to heat oneself". Wow - it screams passion! That's the kind of feeling and intensity that Epaphras had in his prayer and love for these believers ... and he took it to the Father. So I ask myself again ... over whom do I "labor earnestly in prayer"? Put passion in your prayer!! Follow Epaphras' example!
There are a few more personalities in this honor roll of Paul's companions ... we will consider them in our next reading.
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