Colossians 4:10
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "sister's son" is a clue that Mark, despite a past falling out with Paul, is being reintroduced with an emphasis on his connection to Barnabas, suggesting a need for reconciliation and rebuilding trust within the church community. This detail subtly highlights how Paul's actions aim to heal past wounds and restore people to ministry, even after significant disagreements.
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)
Paul is wrapping up his letter by sending greetings from several faithful companions who are with him in Rome. He specifically mentions Aristarchus, who shares his imprisonment, and Mark, Barnabas's cousin, whom the Colossians had previously been instructed about and should now welcome if he visits. This highlights Paul's continued work and relationships even while facing hardship, and his efforts to reconcile and utilize past associates.
Paul calls Aristarchus his 'fellow-prisoner.' What does this shared suffering reveal about their bond and ministry?
The phrase 'fellow-prisoner' (Greek: synaichmalotos) speaks volumes. While Aristarchus and Paul were indeed imprisoned together in Rome, the term implies a deeper solidarity.
Shared Struggle, Shared Purpose
This wasn't just a label; it signified a shared experience of hardship and potentially persecution for their faith. It suggests that Aristarchus wasn't merely a bystander but actively shared in the consequences of Paul's ministry. This shared trial forged a strong bond, moving beyond simple colleagueship to a profound spiritual kinship.
More Than Just a Title
Scholars note that while Paul was a prisoner, his companions sometimes shared his confinement. This could be voluntary, offering comfort and practical support, or involuntary, due to association with Paul. Regardless, it highlights Aristarchus's commitment and willingness to endure suffering alongside the apostle, demonstrating a deep commitment to the Gospel.
Paul instructs the Colossians to 'welcome' Mark, even after past difficulties. What does this say about forgiveness and restoration in ministry?
The mention of Mark, Barnabas's cousin, comes with a fascinating backstory. We know from Acts 15 that Mark had previously 'deserted' Paul and Barnabas during a missionary journey, causing a significant rift between the two leaders.
Ask a follow-up
A Stern Welcome
Paul's instruction to 'welcome him' is essentially a letter of commendation, a formal endorsement for Mark. This indicates that Mark had not only reconciled with Paul but had also proven himself reliable and useful again in ministry. The past failure, though significant, did not permanently disqualify him.
Forgiveness in Action
This passage is a powerful testament to the grace of forgiveness and the possibility of restoration. Paul, who had experienced Mark's earlier defection, now fully trusts and endorses him. It shows that genuine repentance and a renewed commitment can lead to restored trust and active service within the body of Christ. Mark's later usefulness, even being called to be with Paul in his final days, underscores this remarkable comeback.
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 Mark with instructions for reception reveals the complex relationships and past issues Paul navigated, even during his Roman imprisonment. It shows reconciliation and continued service after earlier difficulties.
c. AD 47-49
Mark's First Missionary Journey with Paul
John Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey but deserted them at Perga. This led to a significant disagreement between Paul and Barnabas.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
The apostles and elders met in Jerusalem to discuss the issue of Gentile inclusion. Following this, Paul and Barnabas had a sharp dispute over taking Mark on their next journey.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul, after parting with Barnabas, took Silas with him. Mark, though initially rejected by Paul, later traveled with Barnabas to Cyprus.
c. AD 57-59
Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea
During Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea, Aristarchus was with him, ministering to him. This period may have involved close companionship and shared hardship.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Voyage to Rome and Imprisonment
Aristarchus accompanied Paul on his perilous journey to Rome. Upon arrival, Paul was placed under house arrest, and Aristarchus is described as his 'fellow prisoner.'
c. AD 62-64
Epistle to Philemon and Colossians Written
Paul, while imprisoned in Rome, wrote the letters to Philemon and the Colossians. During this time, Epaphras is mentioned as a fellow prisoner in Philemon, while Aristarchus holds that title in Colossians, suggesting they may have shared Paul's captivity at different times.
c. AD 67
Paul's Final Imprisonment and Second Epistle to Timothy
Near the end of his life, Paul was again imprisoned in Rome. He specifically requested Timothy to bring Mark with him, indicating Mark had become a trusted and valuable companion.
This passage directly addresses the past disagreement between Paul and Barnabas concerning Mark, explaining Paul's initial reluctance to have him join their ministry again.
2 Timothy 4:11This later letter from Paul shows a full restoration of relationship, where Paul asks Timothy to bring Mark to him, calling him 'useful for ministry,' highlighting Mark's growth and Paul's forgiveness.
Acts 19:29This account shows Aristarchus as a companion of Paul during a riot in Ephesus, illustrating his steadfastness and willingness to face danger alongside the apostle.
Acts 27:2Aristarchus is mentioned here as traveling with Paul on the ship to Rome, indicating his deep loyalty and continued support even during Paul's perilous journey as a prisoner.
Philemon 1:24This parallel letter, written around the same time, also lists Aristarchus as a 'fellow worker' and Mark as a companion, reinforcing their close association with Paul in his ministry and imprisonment.
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…
The phrase "sister's son" is a clue that Mark, despite a past falling out with Paul, is being reintroduced with an emphasis on his connection to Barnabas, suggesting a need for reconciliation and rebuilding trust within the church community. This detail subtly highlights how Paul's actions aim to heal past wounds and restore people to ministry, even after significant disagreements.
Paul is wrapping up his letter by sending greetings from several faithful companions who are with him in Rome. He specifically mentions Aristarchus, who shares his imprisonment, and Mark, Barnabas's cousin, whom the Colossians had previously been instructed about and should now welcome if he visits. This highlights Paul's continued work and relationships even while facing hardship, and his efforts to reconcile and utilize past associates.
Paul is wrapping up his letter by sending greetings from several faithful companions who are with him in Rome. He specifically mentions Aristarchus, who shares his imprisonment, and Mark, Barnabas's cousin, whom the Colossians had previously been instructed about and should now welcome if he visits. This highlights Paul's continued work and relationships even while facing hardship, and his efforts to reconcile and utilize past associates.
"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)," — The phrase "sister's son" is a clue that Mark, despite a past falling out with Paul, is being reintroduced with an emphasis on his connection to Barnabas, suggesting a need for reconciliation and reb…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
