Colossians 4:10-11
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What's easy to miss here is the weight Paul gives to Mark. Despite a past falling-out, Paul not only forgives but endorses him with specific instructions for the Colossians to welcome him. This highlights how personal history, even disagreements, doesn't have to define relationships or prevent future ministry.
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), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul begins a series of personal greetings from his companions, first mentioning Aristarchus, who is imprisoned with him, and then Mark, Barnabas's cousin. The letter reminds the Colossians of previous instructions they received regarding Mark, urging them to welcome him warmly should he visit, signaling a reconciliation after past disagreements and a renewed confidence in him.
Paul calls Aristarchus his 'fellow prisoner.' What does this tell us about their shared experience, and why is it important that this bond is highlighted?
Paul uses the term 'fellow prisoner' (Greek: synaichmalōtos) for Aristarchus. This word literally means 'one captured with' or 'fellow captive.' It suggests a shared experience of suffering and confinement for the sake of the Gospel.
Shared Hardship Creates Deeper Bonds
When believers face persecution or hardship together, it forges a unique and powerful connection. Aristarchus wasn't just a coworker; he was someone who endured imprisonment alongside Paul. This wasn't necessarily a literal, shared cell at every moment, but it implies they faced the dangers and difficulties of captivity together, likely ministering to each other and sharing in the risks.
This 'fellow prisoner' status is a testament to Aristarchus's faithfulness and his deep commitment to Paul and the mission. It's a powerful endorsement, signaling to the Colossians that this man is not only a trusted minister but one who has proven his loyalty through suffering.
Mark, Barnabas's cousin, is mentioned with a history of past failure. Why does Paul emphasize Barnabas's relationship and give specific instructions for Mark's reception?
The mention of Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, comes with a significant backstory. We know from Acts 15 that Mark had previously 'deserted' Paul and Barnabas during a missionary journey. This caused a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, leading them to go their separate ways.
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A Second Chance and a Fresh Start
Now, Paul instructs the Colossians: 'concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him.' This reveals several things:
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.
peritomē · Greek Noun
A Hebrew term literally meaning 'to cut,' used in the New Testament to designate Jewish believers who were distinct from the Gentile converts in the early church.
basileia tou Theou · Greek Noun
The sovereign rule and reign of God; it refers both to the spiritual reality of God's authority in the hearts of believers and the future, visible manifestation of His kingdom.
This verse highlights the power of reconciliation and restoration within the Christian community. Paul's willingness to welcome back Mark, despite their past conflict, shows a forgiving spirit, and Aristarchus's presence as a 'fellow-prisoner' underscores the shared hardships faced by early believers for their faith.
c. AD 47-49
First Missionary Journey Dispute
Paul and Barnabas have a sharp disagreement over whether to take John Mark with them on their first missionary journey. Mark had previously left them during the journey, prompting Paul's reluctance.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
Following the dispute, Barnabas takes Mark with him to Cyprus, while Paul goes on another journey. The Council of Jerusalem addresses issues concerning Gentile believers.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul travels through Asia Minor, visiting the churches in Galatia and Phrygia, including Colossae. It's during this period that instructions concerning Mark might have been given.
c. AD 58
Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem
Paul is arrested in Jerusalem and subsequently imprisoned in Caesarea for about two years. Aristarchus, a companion, stays with him.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Voyage to Rome and Imprisonment
Paul is sent to Rome as a prisoner. Aristarchus travels with him, and it is likely during this period of imprisonment in Rome that Paul writes to the Colossians and Philemon.
c. AD 64-67
Later Ministry and Final Epistle
In his final letter, 2 Timothy, Paul asks Timothy to bring Mark to him, indicating Mark has become useful and trusted again, despite their earlier issues.
This passage directly details the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, explaining why Paul might have had previous reservations about him and why he needed to issue instructions for his reception.
Acts 27:2This verse mentions Aristarchus accompanying Paul on his voyage to Rome, providing context for his 'fellow-prisoner' status as he shared in Paul's challenging journey and subsequent imprisonment.
2 Timothy 4:11Written later in Paul's life, this verse shows a full reconciliation and renewed trust in Mark, highlighting how he became 'useful' to Paul, echoing the sentiment of needing to welcome him in Colossians.
Philemon 1:23-24Sent around the same time, this letter also mentions Aristarchus as a 'fellow worker' and Mark as a 'fellow worker,' offering a comparative view of their roles and relationships with Paul during their imprisonment.
1 Peter 5:13This verse refers to 'Mark, my son,' suggesting a close relationship between Peter and John Mark, which further commends him and provides insight into his broader ministry connections beyond Paul.
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…
What's easy to miss here is the weight Paul gives to Mark. Despite a past falling-out, Paul not only forgives but endorses him with specific instructions for the Colossians to welcome him. This highlights how personal history, even disagreements, doesn't have to define relationships or prevent future ministry.
Paul begins a series of personal greetings from his companions, first mentioning Aristarchus, who is imprisoned with him, and then Mark, Barnabas's cousin. The letter reminds the Colossians of previous instructions they received regarding Mark, urging them to welcome him warmly should he visit, signaling a reconciliation after past disagreements and a renewed confidence in him.
Paul begins a series of personal greetings from his companions, first mentioning Aristarchus, who is imprisoned with him, and then Mark, Barnabas's cousin. The letter reminds the Colossians of previous instructions they received regarding Mark, urging them to welcome him warmly should he visit, signaling a reconciliation after past disagreements and a renewed confidence in him.
"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), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among m…" — What's easy to miss here is the weight Paul gives to Mark. Despite a past falling-out, Paul not only forgives but endorses him with specific instructions for the Colossians to welcome him. This highl…
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Last reviewed October 2026
