Colossians 4:10
Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him),
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul uses the term "fellow-prisoner" for Aristarchus, but it's fascinating that in the letter to Philemon, written around the same time, Epaphras is called a "fellow-prisoner" while Aristarchus is just a "fellow-worker." This subtle difference hints that their shared imprisonment might have been voluntary, with friends taking turns to support Paul during his detention. This also explains why the Colossians need special instructions to welcome Mark; after a past failure, his return to ministry required a clear endorsement from Paul to overcome any lingering doubts.
The apostle Paul is wrapping up his letter with final greetings and instructions to the church in Colossae. He's sending Tychicus to deliver the letter and share updates, and Paul uses this opportunity to mention specific individuals, clarifying their relationship with him and giving directions for how they should be received. This section highlights Paul's deep connections with fellow believers and his ongoing ministry, even from prison.
Imagine being locked away for your faith. Now, imagine sharing that space with a friend who's also facing hardship. What does that shared struggle reveal about their bond?
In Colossians 4:10, Paul calls Aristarchus his 'fellow-prisoner.' This isn't just a casual label; it speaks volumes about their shared experience and mutual support.
More Than Just Companionship
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We've all made mistakes that caused disappointment. What does it look like when a leader extends grace and reconciliation to someone who faltered?
The mention of Mark, Barnabas's cousin, comes with a fascinating backstory. Paul had previously experienced a significant disagreement with Mark, leading to a separation (Acts 15:37-39).
From Displeasure to Welcome
Understand the original words
synaichmalōtos · Greek Noun
A person held in captivity for the sake of the Gospel; it highlights the identification with Christ in suffering and the cost of faithfulness.
The mention of Aristarchus as a 'fellow-prisoner' and the instructions regarding Mark highlight the complexities of Paul's relationships and the redemptive journey of individuals like Mark, who had previously faltered but was now being restored to ministry.
c. AD 47-49
Mark's Departure from Paul
John Mark, Barnabas's cousin, previously traveled with Paul and Barnabas but left them during their first missionary journey, causing a rift between Paul and Barnabas.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
The Jerusalem Council addressed issues of Gentile inclusion, and the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over Mark likely persisted afterwards.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas parted ways over the issue of taking Mark on their subsequent journey. Barnabas took Mark with him.
c. AD 57-60
Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea
Aristarchus accompanied Paul to Caesarea and likely ministered to him during his imprisonment there.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Voyage to Rome
Aristarchus was with Paul on the perilous sea voyage to Rome, acting as a close companion during this difficult time.
c. AD 62— this verse
Paul's Roman Imprisonment
Paul, under house arrest in Rome, is accompanied by Aristarchus who is also imprisoned with him, and he sends instructions concerning Mark to the Colossian church.
This passage details the very disagreement between Paul and Barnabas concerning John Mark, providing the backdrop for Paul's cautious instruction to welcome him in Colossians.
Written around the same time as Colossians, this letter also mentions Aristarchus and Mark, showing Aristarchus as a fellow-laborer and Mark as a fellow-prisoner, offering a slightly different perspective on their roles and situations.
2 Timothy 4:11In his final letter, Paul asks Timothy to bring Mark, indicating that Mark had become useful and reliable again, a stark contrast to the earlier issue mentioned in Acts and implied in Colossians.
1 Peter 5:13Peter sends greetings from 'Mark, my son,' suggesting a close relationship and further confirming the identity of John Mark, who is also referred to in Colossians.
henryColossians 4:10-18: "Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)"
4:10-18 Paul had differed with Barnabas, on the account of this Mark, yet he is not only reconciled, but recommends him to the churches; an example of a truly Christian and forgiving spirit. If men have been guilty of a fault, it must not always be remembered against them. We must forget as well as forgive. The apostl…
meyerColossians 4:10: "Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)"
Colossians 4:10 . Sending of salutations down to Colossians 4:14 . Ἀρίσταρχος ] a Thessalonian, known from Acts 19:29 ; Acts 20:4 ; Acts 27:2 , Philemon 1:24 , was with Paul at Caesarea , when the latter had appealed to the emperor, and travelled with him to Rome, Acts 27:2 . ὁ συναιχμάλωτός μου ] Οὐδὲν τούτου τοῦ ἐγκωμί…
Paul uses the term "fellow-prisoner" for Aristarchus, but it's fascinating that in the letter to Philemon, written around the same time, Epaphras is called a "fellow-prisoner" while Aristarchus is just a "fellow-worker." This subtle difference hints that their shared imprisonment might have been voluntary, with friends taking turns to support Paul during his detention. This also explains why the Colossians need special instructions to welcome Mark; after a past failure, his return to ministry required a clear endorsement from Paul to overcome any lingering doubts.
The apostle Paul is wrapping up his letter with final greetings and instructions to the church in Colossae. He's sending Tychicus to deliver the letter and share updates, and Paul uses this opportunity to mention specific individuals, clarifying their relationship with him and giving directions for how they should be received. This section highlights Paul's deep connections with fellow believers and his ongoing ministry, even from prison.
The apostle Paul is wrapping up his letter with final greetings and instructions to the church in Colossae. He's sending Tychicus to deliver the letter and share updates, and Paul uses this opportunity to mention specific individuals, clarifying their relationship with him and giving directions for how they should be received. This section highlights Paul's deep connections with fellow believers and his ongoing ministry, even from prison.
"Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him)," — Paul uses the term "fellow-prisoner" for Aristarchus, but it's fascinating that in the letter to Philemon, written around the same time, Epaphras is called a "fellow-prisoner" while Aristarchus is ju…
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