Final Greetings and Personal Commendations
Colossians 4:7-18
Col.4.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Τα: ART,nom,pl,n
- κατ᾽εμε: PREP,acc
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- γνωρισει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- Τυχικος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- αγαπητος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- αδελφος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- πιστος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- διακονος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- συνδουλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Ephesians 6:21-22 (verbal): Tychicus is described with almost identical language (“beloved brother, faithful minister, fellow servant in the Lord”) and is sent to inform the recipients and to encourage their hearts—near-verbatim parallel to Colossians 4:7–8.
- Colossians 4:8 (structural): Immediate context: follows 4:7 and repeats the purpose of the envoy—he was sent to learn about the Colossians’ condition and to comfort/encourage them, echoing the same function and close wording.
- Philippians 2:25-30 (thematic): Epaphroditus is described as a brother, fellow-worker/minister and as one sent on Paul’s behalf to report and care for Paul’s needs—a thematic parallel in role, vocabulary (brother, fellow-worker/minister), and function as Paul’s envoy.
- Acts 20:4 (allusion): Tychicus appears among Paul’s traveling companions in Acts, providing background for his role as a trusted associate and envoy mentioned in Colossians 4:7.
Alternative generated candidates
- Tychicus will tell you all my circumstances; he is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
- Tychicus will make known to you all my affairs; he is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord.
Col.4.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- επεμψα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- εις: PREP
- αυτο: PRON,acc,sg,neut
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- ινα: CONJ
- γνωτε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,pl
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- περι: PREP
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- και: CONJ
- παρακαλεση: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,sg
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- καρδιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- Eph.6.21-22 (verbal): Same wording and purpose: Tychicus is sent to inform the recipients about Paul’s circumstances and to encourage/comfort their hearts (near verbal parallel in Greek).
- 1 Thess.3.2 (verbal): Paul sends a delegate (Timothy) ‘to strengthen and encourage’ and to learn about the believers’ situation—closely parallels the sending to ‘know your circumstances and comfort your hearts.’
- Phil.2.19-22 (thematic): Paul’s intention to send Timothy ‘to find out how you are’ and to encourage him by news of them parallels the missionary/deputy sent to learn of conditions and bring comfort.
- 2 Cor.7.6-7 (thematic): God’s comfort coming through the arrival of a delegate (Titus) who brought consolation—parallels the idea of an emissary bringing encouragement and comfort to the community.
- Acts 20.4 (structural): Lists Tychicus as one of Paul’s companions sent on missions; connects the identity and missionary role of the messenger mentioned in Colossians 4:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that he may inform you about us and encourage your hearts.
- I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that he might know your circumstances and comfort your hearts;
Col.4.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- συν: PREP
- Ονησιμω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- πιστω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- αγαπητω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- αδελφω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- εξ: PREP
- υμων·παντα: PRON,gen,pl,2+ADJ,acc,pl,n
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- γνωρισουσιν: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,pl
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- ωδε: ADV
Parallels
- Colossians 4:7-8 (structural): Immediate context: Tychicus (and the sending of a trusted courier) is described as a faithful, beloved brother who will report the circumstances — parallels the mention of Onesimus as a faithful/beloved brother who will make known matters to the Colossians.
- Philemon 1:10-13 (allusion): Onesimus is the principal figure in Philemon: Paul calls him his child/son and explains he is sending Onesimus back to Philemon, linking Onesimus’ origin and Paul’s sending with Colossians’ note that he is 'one of you' and will report on things.
- Philemon 1:16 (verbal): Philemon describes Onesimus 'no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother,' which echoes Colossians 4:9’s characterization of Onesimus as a 'faithful and beloved brother.'
- Ephesians 6:21-22 (verbal): Tychicus is sent to 'make known to you all things' (or 'bring you news'), a phrase and role parallel to Colossians 4:9's statement that Onesimus (with the messenger) will inform the recipients of matters here.
Alternative generated candidates
- With him is Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you—these will tell you about the things here.
- with him Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother—one of you. They will tell you of everything that is here.
Col.4.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ασπαζεται: VERB,pres,mp,ind,3,sg
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- Αρισταρχος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- συναιχμαλωτος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- και: CONJ
- Μαρκος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ανεψιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- Βαρναβα: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- περι: PREP
- ου: PART,neg
- ελαβετε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- εντολας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- εαν: CONJ
- ελθη: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,sg
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- δεξασθε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,pl
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Philemon 1:24 (verbal): Aristarchus and Mark appear in Paul's closing greetings as fellow workers; corroborates the same circle of associates named here.
- Acts 27:2 (verbal): Aristarchus is listed among Paul’s companions on the voyage to Rome, supporting his identification as a close companion of Paul mentioned in Colossians.
- Acts 15:37-39 (structural): Records the sharp dispute between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark—the background for Paul’s caution about Mark and why Colossians mentions receiving instructions about him.
- 2 Timothy 4:11 (thematic): Paul later requests that Mark be brought to him, showing reconciliation and echoing the Colossians instruction to welcome Mark if he comes.
- Acts 12:25 (verbal): Identifies John (called Mark) as accompanying Barnabas and Saul on an early mission, linking Mark to Barnabas and corroborating the association named in Colossians.
Alternative generated candidates
- Aristarchus my fellow prisoner sends you greetings, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas—about whom you received instruction—welcome him if he comes to you.
- Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas—concerning whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, receive him.
Col.4.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- Ιησους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- λεγομενος: PART,pres,pass,nom,sg,m
- Ιουστος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- οντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- εκ: PREP
- περιτομης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ουτοι: PRO,nom,pl,m
- μονοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- συνεργοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- βασιλειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- οιτινες: PRO,rel,nom,pl,m
- εγενηθησαν: VERB,aor,mp,ind,3,pl
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- παρηγορια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 3:9 (verbal): Uses the same term συνεργοί (fellow-workers) to describe those who labor together in God’s work, echoing Paul’s description of Justus and others as fellow-workers for the kingdom.
- Romans 16:21 (verbal): Paul greets Timothy as his συνεργός (fellow-worker), a close verbal parallel emphasizing the common Pauline motif of identifying trusted coworkers.
- Philemon 1:24 (structural): Lists Paul's fellow-workers who accompany his ministry and offer him support and comfort, paralleling Colossians 4:11’s mention of companions who have been a consolation to Paul.
- Galatians 2:9 (thematic): Speaks of a distinction between mission to the Gentiles and to 'those of the circumcision' (τοῖς περιτομῇ), thematically related to Colossians’ identification of certain coworkers as 'of the circumcision'.
- Acts 15:5 (thematic): Refers to 'those of the circumcision' (the Judaizing party) in the context of controversy over Gentile inclusion, providing background for understanding the designation 'men of the circumcision' in Pauline correspondence.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jesus who is called Justus also sends greetings; these only are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, who have proved a comfort to me.
- Jesus who is called Justus also greets you. These alone are of the circumcision who are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God; they have been a comfort to me.
Col.4.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ασπαζεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- Επαφρας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- εξ: PREP
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- δουλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- παντοτε: ADV
- αγωνιζομενος: PART,pres,mid,nom,sg,m
- υπερ: PREP
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- εν: PREP
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- προσευχαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- ινα: CONJ
- σταθητε: VERB,aor,pas,subj,2,pl
- τελειοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- πεπληροφορημενοι: VERB,perf,pass,part,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- παντι: PRON,dat,sg,m
- θεληματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Colossians 1:7 (verbal): Mentions Epaphras by name as a fellow servant/minister who taught the Colossians—connects directly with the person and role named in 4:12.
- Colossians 4:13 (verbal): Paul testifies to Epaphras' great zeal for the Colossians and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis—parallels the description of his earnest struggle/prayer on their behalf.
- Colossians 1:9-10 (thematic): Paul's prayer that the Colossians be filled with the knowledge of God's will and live worthy of the Lord parallels Epaphras' prayers for their maturity and fullness in God's will.
- Colossians 1:28 (thematic): Paul's goal of presenting everyone mature in Christ echoes Epaphras' intercession that the believers 'stand perfect' (mature/complete) in the will of God.
- Philemon 1:23 (structural): Epaphras appears again in Philemon as a fellow prisoner who greets the recipients—another attestation to his close association with Paul and ministry among these churches.
Alternative generated candidates
- Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings; he is always laboring earnestly in prayer on your behalf, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
- Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always wrestling in his prayers for you, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
Col.4.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μαρτυρω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- οτι: CONJ
- εχει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- πολυν: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- πονον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- υπερ: PREP
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- Λαοδικεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- Ιεραπολει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Colossians 4:12 (verbal): Same context and subject (Epaphras); immediately preceding verse describes his fervent labor and prayers on behalf of the Colossians, closely related wording and theme.
- Colossians 2:1 (verbal): Paul uses nearly identical language about having a 'great struggle' for the Colossians and those at Laodicea—close verbal parallel within the same letter.
- 2 Corinthians 11:28 (thematic): Paul speaks of the 'daily pressure' and anxiety he feels for all the churches—similar theme of intense concern and suffering on behalf of congregations.
- Galatians 4:19 (thematic): Paul describes his painful anguish for the spiritual formation of the Galatians—an analogous motif of emotional/physical pain endured for the churches' well‑being.
- Philippians 1:30 (thematic): Paul and the Philippians are said to share in the same 'struggle' or suffering for the gospel—paralleling the notion of conflict/suffering connected to ministry for the churches.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I bear him witness that he has had a great struggle on your behalf and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
- I testify concerning him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.
Col.4.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ασπαζεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- Λουκας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ιατρος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- αγαπητος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Δημας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Philemon 1:24 (verbal): Same circle of Paul's coworkers appears with both Luke and Demas named together, echoing the list of companions and greetings.
- 2 Timothy 4:10 (thematic): Demas is mentioned again as having deserted Paul; contrasts with Colossians where Demas sends greetings, highlighting a change in his relationship with Paul.
- 2 Timothy 4:11 (verbal): Luke is singled out as Paul's companion ('Only Luke is with me'), corroborating Luke's close association with Paul noted in Colossians and supporting his identification as the beloved physician.
- Romans 16:21 (structural): Example of Paul's typical letter-closing greetings naming personal coworkers (e.g., 'Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you'), a structural parallel to Colossians' closing with personal salutations like Luke and Demas.
Alternative generated candidates
- Luke the beloved physician greets you, and Demas sends his greetings.
- Luke the beloved physician greets you, and Demas.
Col.4.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ασπασασθε: VERB,aor,mid,imp,2,pl
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- Λαοδικεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- αδελφους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- Νυμφαν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- κατ᾽οικον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αυτης: PRO,gen,sg,f
- εκκλησιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Romans 16:5 (verbal): Paul sends greetings to 'the church that is in their house' (ὑμῖν ἀσπάζονται αἱ ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ αὐτῶν), a close verbal parallel to Colossians' greeting to Nympha and the church in her house.
- 1 Corinthians 16:19 (verbal): Mentions greetings from Aquila and Priscilla and 'the churches of Asia' and specifically 'the church that is in their house'—another explicit example of house churches and the same formulaic greeting.
- Philemon 1:2 (verbal): Paul addresses Apphia and Archippus and 'the church in your house' (τῇ ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ σου ἐκκλησίᾳ), paralleling Colossians' reference to a domestic congregation.
- Colossians 2:1 (thematic): In the same letter Paul speaks of 'those at Laodicea' (τοῖς ἐν Λαοδικείᾳ), showing an ongoing concern for the Laodicean believers referenced in 4:15.
- Revelation 3:14-22 (thematic): The letter to the Laodicean church addresses the community in Laodicea directly; thematically it illuminates the condition and identity of the church to which Colossians 4:15 sends greetings.
Alternative generated candidates
- Give my greetings to the brothers in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.
- Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
Col.4.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- οταν: CONJ
- αναγνωσθη: VERB,aor,pass,subj,3,sg
- παρ᾽υμιν: PREP,dat,pl,2
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- επιστολη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ποιησατε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,pl
- ινα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- Λαοδικεων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
- εκκλησια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- αναγνωσθη: VERB,aor,pass,subj,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- εκ: PREP
- Λαοδικειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ινα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- αναγνωτε: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,pl
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 5:27 (quotation): Paul explicitly commands that his epistle be read to all the brothers—directly parallels the instruction in Colossians to have the letter read publicly.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (thematic): Paul urges the Thessalonians to stand firm in traditions 'whether by word or our epistle,' treating written letters as authoritative and meant for circulation and retention.
- 1 Corinthians 14:37 (thematic): Paul asserts that what he writes are the Lord's commands, supporting the practice of reading and obeying apostolic letters in the assembly as implied in Colossians 4:16.
- Ephesians 6:21-22 (structural): Like Colossians, Ephesians mentions Tychicus as the bearer of Paul's letter; both passages reflect the practice of sending messengers with letters for the information and edification of churches.
- Colossians 4:15 (structural): The immediately preceding verse names the Laodicean church and individuals there, establishing the local connection that explains why Paul requests the Colossians and Laodiceans exchange and read one another's letters.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when this letter has been read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that you likewise read the letter from Laodicea.
- And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.
Col.4.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ειπατε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,pl
- Αρχιππω·Βλεπε: PROPN,dat,sg,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- διακονιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,fem
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- παρελαβες: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,sg
- εν: PREP
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ινα: CONJ
- αυτην: PRON,acc,sg,f
- πληροις: VERB,pres,act,subj,2,sg
Parallels
- Acts 20:24 (verbal): Paul speaks of 'the ministry which I received from the Lord'—language nearly identical to Colossians 4:17 (τὴν διακονίαν ἣν ἐλάβον παρὰ Κυρίου), emphasizing a divinely given task to be carried out.
- 2 Timothy 4:5 (verbal): Paul exhorts Timothy to 'do the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry'—a direct charge to complete the ministry entrusted to him, echoing the imperative given to Archippus.
- Colossians 1:25 (thematic): Paul describes his own role as a minister given a stewardship 'that I might fulfill the word of God,' linking the idea of appointed ministry and faithful fulfillment present in 4:17.
- Philemon 1:2 (structural): Archippus is named alongside Apphia (Philemon 1:2), providing a direct personal link to Colossians 4:17's address to Archippus and situating him in the Pauline network.
- Ephesians 4:11-12 (thematic): Describes gifts and offices given 'to equip the saints for the work of ministry,' highlighting the communal and appointed nature of ministry and the expectation that it be carried out.
Alternative generated candidates
- And say to Archippus, "See that you fulfill the ministry you received in the Lord."
- And say to Archippus: "See to it that you fulfill the ministry that you received in the Lord."
Col.4.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ασπασμος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- εμη: PRON,poss,dat,f,sg
- χειρι: NOUN,dat,sg,fem
- Παυλου: PROPN,gen,sg,m
- μνημονευετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- δεσμων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- χαρις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- μεθ᾽υμων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- 2 Thessalonians 3:17 (verbal): Paul's explicit autograph: he stresses that the closing greeting/salutation is written with his own hand—same personal-hand formula as Colossians 4:18.
- 1 Corinthians 16:21 (verbal): A parallel autograph closing—'my greeting by the hand of Paul'—echoing the personal, handwritten salutation in Colossians 4:18.
- Philemon 19 (verbal): Paul again writes 'with my own hand' in the letter's closing (and elsewhere in Philemon he refers to his imprisonment), combining the autograph formula and the prison context reflected in Colossians 4:18.
- Ephesians 6:24 (verbal): A similar benediction—'Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ'—paralleling Colossians' closing wish 'Grace be with you' (shared Pauline doxological language).
- Ephesians 3:1 (thematic): Paul's self-identification as a prisoner ('For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus') parallels the imprisonment theme behind the Colossians request to 'remember my chains.'
Alternative generated candidates
- This salutation is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
- I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand—remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord, will make known to you everything;
he will bring you word of my affairs so that he may encourage your hearts;
with him Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
Aristarchus my fellow prisoner sends greetings to you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas—about whom you received instructions—if he comes to you, receive him;
and Jesus who is called Justus. These alone are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, who have been a comfort to me.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you always in his prayers, striving on your behalf that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God;
for I testify concerning him that he has a great zeal for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.
Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and you also read the letter from Laodicea. And tell Archippus: “See that you fulfill the ministry that you received in the Lord.”
This greeting is my own handwriting—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.