Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Colossians 4:15
What does Colossians 4:15 mean?
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Colossians 4:15
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It's easy to just see this as a standard greeting, but Paul specifically calls out "the church in his house." This wasn't just a casual get-together; it highlights how early believers intentionally formed vibrant community gatherings within their homes, transforming ordinary spaces into places of worship and fellowship.
Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of Paul's closing greetings in his letter to the Colossians, following his final exhortations. He asks them to greet the believers in the nearby city of Laodicea, and also mentions a specific individual named Nymphas, highlighting the church that met in his home. This implies that early Christian gatherings often took place in private residences, serving as vital centers for fellowship and worship.
Imagine a church gathering not in a grand building, but in someone's living room. This was common in the early days!
In the first century, Christians often met in private homes. This verse mentions 'the church in her house' (or 'his house,' depending on the ancient text).
What This Means:
Who was Nympha? While not famous, this individual played a vital role in the early church.
Paul specifically names Nympha (and the church in their home) in his greeting to the Colossians.
Why This Matters:
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Understand the original words
ekklēsia · Greek Noun
Used in the New Testament to refer to the corporate body of believers in a specific location or the universal body of Christ; the 'called out' assembly of God's people.
The mention of specific individuals and household churches in Colossians 4:15 grounds the letter in the tangible reality of early Christian communities, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships and the house-church model in spreading the Gospel.
c. AD 50-60
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
The Apostle Paul spent a significant amount of time in Ephesus, a major city in the Roman province of Asia. From there, he would have had extensive contact with the surrounding region, including cities like Colossae and Laodicea.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment
During his imprisonment, likely in Rome, Paul dictated letters to churches he could not visit in person, including the Epistle to the Colossians. This letter was carried by Tychicus.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Letter Sent to Colossae
Paul's letter to the church in Colossae, which mentions greetings to believers in nearby Laodicea and to Nympha and the church in his house.
c. AD 60-62
The Church in a Private Home
In the early Christian movement, believers often met in the homes of prominent members. This practice highlights the intimate and community-focused nature of early church gatherings.
This passage also mentions a 'church in the house' of Priscilla and Aquila, highlighting the early Christian practice of meeting in homes and the significance of these domestic gatherings.
1 Corinthians 16:19Similar to Colossians, this verse sends greetings to the church that meets in the house of Priscilla and Aquila, emphasizing the importance of home-based churches in the early Christian movement.
Philemon 1:2This letter addresses Philemon and the 'church in his house,' further illustrating the common New Testament practice of churches assembling in the homes of believers.
Acts 12:12This passage describes the early church meeting in the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, showing a historical precedent for prayer and fellowship happening in private homes.
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…
barnesColossians 4:15: "Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house."
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea - Notes, Colossians 2:1 . And Nymphas - This person is nowhere else mentioned, and nothing more is known of him. And the church which is in his house - Notes, Romans 16:5.
It's easy to just see this as a standard greeting, but Paul specifically calls out "the church in his house." This wasn't just a casual get-together; it highlights how early believers intentionally formed vibrant community gatherings within their homes, transforming ordinary spaces into places of worship and fellowship.
This verse is part of Paul's closing greetings in his letter to the Colossians, following his final exhortations. He asks them to greet the believers in the nearby city of Laodicea, and also mentions a specific individual named Nymphas, highlighting the church that met in his home. This implies that early Christian gatherings often took place in private residences, serving as vital centers for fellowship and worship.
This verse is part of Paul's closing greetings in his letter to the Colossians, following his final exhortations. He asks them to greet the believers in the nearby city of Laodicea, and also mentions a specific individual named Nymphas, highlighting the church that met in his home. This implies that early Christian gatherings often took place in private residences, serving as vital centers for fellowship and worship.
"Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house." — It's easy to just see this as a standard greeting, but Paul specifically calls out "the church in his house." This wasn't just a casual get-together; it highlights how early believers intentionally…
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Last reviewed October 2026