Section 1

At the beginning of the letter, Paul commended this man because of his love. Praise itself is a sign of love, as Paul said at the outset: “He who made known to us your love in the Spirit.” Praying earnestly for someone also shows love and causes love in return. Paul commends Epaphras as well in order to open a door for his teaching, because it benefits students when their teacher is held in respect. Again, by saying that he is “one of you,” he gives them reason to take honorable pride in him, since their community produces men like this.

“He is always struggling for you in his prayers,” Paul says. He did not simply say “praying,” but “struggling,” as one who trembles and fears for them. “For I bear him witness,” he says, “that he has great zeal for you.” The witness is trustworthy. “He has great zeal for you”—that is, he loves you intensely and burns with affection for you. “And for those in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.” Paul commends him to them as well. But how were they to know this? They were likely to hear of it, and they would also learn it when the letter was read, for Paul says, “See that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans.”

“So that you may stand perfect,” he says. At the same time he points out their fault and, without being burdensome, exhorts and counsels them. It is possible to be perfect and yet not stand firm, as when someone knows everything but is still shaken. It is also possible not to be perfect and yet to stand, as when someone knows only part but stands in it, though not firmly. Epaphras prays for both: “that you may stand perfect.” See how Paul again reminds them of what he had said about the angels and about their manner of life. “And filled in all the will of God,” he says. It is not enough simply to do God’s will. The person who is filled with it leaves no room for another will within himself; otherwise he is not fully filled.

“For I bear him witness,” he says, “that he has great zeal.” Both words intensify the thought: he has zeal, and great zeal. Paul similarly says when writing to the Corinthians, “For I am jealous for you with a jealousy of God.”

“Luke, the beloved physician, greets you.” This is the Evangelist. Paul does not put Luke later in order to diminish him, but to exalt Epaphras. It is likely that there were others who bore the name Luke. “And Demas.” After saying, “Luke the physician greets you,” Paul added “the beloved.” This too is no small praise, but very great—to be beloved by Paul.

“Greet the brothers in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the Church in his house.” See how Paul joins and binds them to one another, not only by greetings but also by having the letters exchanged. Then he again bestows honor by greeting this man individually. He does not do this casually, but in order to draw the others toward the same zeal. It is no small thing not to be counted simply among the rest. See, then, how Paul shows him to be a great man, since his house was a church.

“And when the letter has been read among you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans.” It seems to me that some of what was written here was also necessary for them to hear. And the Colossians themselves would gain even more when, while others were being corrected, they recognized their own sins.

“And see that you also read the one from Laodicea.” Some say that this was not a letter Paul sent to them, but one they sent to Paul, because he did not say “the letter to the Laodiceans” but “the one from Laodicea.”

“And say to Archippus, ‘See to the ministry that you received in the Lord, so that you fulfill it.’” Why does Paul not write directly to him? Perhaps he did not need more than a simple reminder to make him more diligent.

“The greeting is in my own hand—Paul’s.” This is a sign of authenticity and affection: they could see his own handwriting and be moved by it. “Remember my chains.” What a powerful exhortation! This alone was enough to urge them toward everything and make them more courageous in their struggles. It made them not only braver but also more closely attached to him. “Grace be with you. Amen.”