Colossians 4:14

KJV

Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Luke {G3065}, the beloved {G27} physician {G2395}, and {G2532} Demas {G1214}, greet {G782} you {G5209}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send you greetings.

Berean Standard Bible

Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings.

American Standard Version

Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas salute you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 4:14 offers a concise yet profound glimpse into the apostle Paul's immediate circle during his imprisonment, highlighting two distinct figures: Luke, the "beloved physician," and Demas. This brief salutation not only conveys personal greetings to the Colossian church but also subtly underscores themes of faithful companionship, the diverse callings within early Christian ministry, and the enduring human element of commitment and perseverance in the journey of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding section of Paul's letter to the Colossians, specifically among his personal greetings and final exhortations. Following his theological exposition (chapters 1-2) and practical instructions for Christian living (chapter 3), Paul dedicates the opening verses of chapter 4 to a call for prayer and wise conduct toward outsiders. From [Colossians 4:7](/colossians/4-7 "Colossians 4:7 - Tychicus and Onesimus") onward, he transitions to personal remarks, introducing the messengers Tychicus and Onesimus, and then extending greetings from various companions who are with him. These salutations, including the mention of Luke and Demas, serve to personalize the letter, reinforce the communal bonds of the early church, and provide a tangible connection between Paul's ministry and the Colossian believers. The inclusion of these names underscores the collaborative nature of apostolic work and the network of support that sustained Paul, especially during his likely imprisonment, as hinted at in [Colossians 4:18](/colossians/4-18 "Colossians 4:18 - Paul's Concluding Greeting").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote Colossians from prison, likely in Rome, around A.D. 60-62. During this period, imprisonment did not necessarily mean solitary confinement; Paul often had companions, some of whom were fellow ministers, while others provided practical support. The mention of Luke as a "physician" (Greek: _iatros_) is significant, indicating that the early Christian movement attracted individuals from various professional backgrounds, including learned ones. This highlights the diverse social strata reached by the gospel and the practical skills that could be consecrated to ministry. The practice of sending greetings from companions was common in ancient letters, serving to affirm relationships and validate the sender's network. The juxtaposition of Luke and Demas, while not explicitly contrasted here, would later carry poignant historical weight for early readers familiar with Demas's subsequent departure from Paul, as recorded in [2 Timothy 4:10](/2_timothy/4-10 "2 Timothy 4:10 - Demas Forsakes Paul").
* **Key Themes:** Colossians 4:14 contributes to several overarching themes within the letter and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of **Christian fellowship and mutual support** in ministry, illustrating that Paul's work was a collaborative effort, not a solitary endeavor. This aligns with the letter's emphasis on the unity of believers in Christ, as seen in [Colossians 3:12-15](/colossians/3-12-15 "Colossians 3:12-15 - Putting on the New Self"). Secondly, the verse subtly highlights the **diversity of gifts and callings** within the body of Christ, with Luke representing a professional skill set (medicine) integrated into gospel service. This resonates with Paul's teaching on the church as a body with many members and functions, a theme explored more fully in [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4-8 "Romans 12:4-8 - Gifts for Service") and [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts"). Finally, the inclusion of both Luke and Demas, especially when viewed through the lens of later New Testament writings, introduces the theme of **perseverance and the human element of faith**, reminding believers that commitment can waver, and steadfastness is a vital virtue, a concept Paul often encouraged, for example, in [Colossians 1:23](/colossians/1-23 "Colossians 1:23 - Continue in the Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **beloved (Greek, _agapētós'_):** This term, derived from _agapáō_ (to love), signifies a deep, affectionate, and often spiritual love. When Paul uses "beloved" to describe Luke, it conveys a profound sense of endearment, trust, and shared spiritual bond, indicating that Luke was not merely a companion but a cherished friend and co-laborer. This designation speaks to the quality of their relationship and Luke's faithful presence.
* **physician (Greek, _iatrós'_):** This word directly translates to "physician" or "healer." Its inclusion here is a specific detail about Luke's profession, confirming his medical background. This detail is significant as it shows that individuals with specialized skills and intellectual pursuits were part of the early Christian movement and could dedicate their talents to supporting apostolic ministry, perhaps even providing medical care to Paul during his imprisonments or arduous travels.
* **Demas (Greek, _Dēmâs'_):** This name is likely a shortened form of Demetrius. In this verse, Demas is simply named without any descriptive epithet, unlike Luke. While his presence here indicates he was part of Paul's immediate circle at the time of writing Colossians, his later actions, as recorded in 2 Timothy, cast a shadow on this initial positive association. The simple naming here, devoid of commendation or affection, subtly contrasts with the "beloved" applied to Luke, though this contrast only becomes apparent with subsequent revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Luke, the beloved physician":** This phrase introduces Luke with two key identifiers. "Luke" names the individual, traditionally identified as the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. "The beloved physician" provides a dual description: "beloved" (Greek: _agapētós_) indicates Paul's deep affection and esteem for him, suggesting a close, trusted relationship, while "physician" (Greek: _iatrós_) specifies his profession. This detail is unique in Paul's greetings and highlights Luke's particular contribution or background, possibly implying he provided medical care or simply that his profession was a notable aspect of his identity within the community.
* **"and Demas, greet you."**: This second clause introduces Demas, simply by name, without any descriptive title. The conjunction "and" (Greek: _kaí_) links Demas with Luke, indicating they are both present with Paul and sending greetings. "Greet you" (Greek: _aspázomai_ from _aspázomai_, meaning to salute or welcome) signifies a warm, personal salutation from these individuals to the Colossian believers, reinforcing the communal ties between Paul's ministry team and the churches he served. The lack of an accompanying descriptor for Demas, in contrast to Luke, becomes notably significant when viewed in light of later New Testament accounts.

#### Literary Devices
Colossians 4:14 employs several subtle but effective literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the immediate pairing of Luke and Demas. While not explicitly contrasted within this single verse, the subsequent New Testament narrative (particularly [2 Timothy 4:10](/2_timothy/4-10 "2 Timothy 4:10 - Demas Forsakes Paul")) reveals a stark difference in their ultimate faithfulness, making their initial joint mention here a poignant literary foreshadowing. The phrase "beloved physician" serves as a form of **Apposition**, where "the beloved physician" stands in apposition to "Luke," providing additional, descriptive information that enriches the reader's understanding of his character and profession. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Personalization**, as Paul includes specific individuals by name, transforming the letter from a purely theological treatise into a warm, relational communication that underscores the human connections and collaborative spirit inherent in early Christian ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 4:14, though brief, is rich with theological and thematic implications. It underscores the profound value of companionship and partnership in Christian ministry, demonstrating that even an apostle as formidable as Paul relied on a network of faithful co-laborers. The inclusion of a "physician" highlights the Christian conviction that all legitimate professions and skills can be consecrated to God's service, challenging any false dichotomy between sacred and secular work. Moreover, when read in conjunction with other Pauline epistles, this verse subtly introduces the theme of perseverance in faith, as the subsequent trajectory of Demas serves as a sobering reminder of the spiritual battles faced by believers and the necessity of steadfastness to the end, contrasting with Luke's unwavering loyalty.

* [Philippians 4:3](/philippians/4-3 "Philippians 4:3 - Fellow Workers in the Gospel"): Paul frequently acknowledges his "fellow workers" and "true companions," underscoring the collaborative nature of gospel ministry.
* [2 Timothy 4:11](/2_timothy/4-11 "2 Timothy 4:11 - Luke Remains with Paul"): This verse powerfully contrasts Luke's enduring faithfulness ("Only Luke is with me") with Demas's departure, highlighting the importance of steadfastness.
* [Philemon 1:24](/philemon/1-24 "Philemon 1:24 - Paul's Fellow Workers"): Demas is also mentioned here as a "fellow laborer" with Paul, along with Luke, indicating his initial involvement in Paul's ministry.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 4:14 invites us to reflect on the nature of Christian community and the call to faithful service. It reminds us that ministry, whether in a formal or informal capacity, is rarely a solitary endeavor but thrives within a supportive network of believers. We are encouraged to recognize, appreciate, and actively participate in the diverse gifts and callings within the body of Christ, understanding that God uses people from all walks of life and with various skills to advance His kingdom. The contrasting paths of Luke and Demas offer a timeless lesson: while initial enthusiasm is good, true discipleship requires enduring commitment and a vigilant guarding of one's heart against the allure of the world. We are called to cultivate the steadfastness of Luke, remaining faithful to Christ and His mission even amidst difficulties, and to learn from Demas's failure, ensuring our love for God outweighs any worldly affection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who are the "Lukes" in your life—those faithful, beloved companions who support you in your journey of faith and service? How do you affirm and appreciate them?**
* **What unique skills or professional backgrounds do you possess that God might be calling you to consecrate more fully to His service, just as Luke used his medical knowledge?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to drift away from your commitment to Christ, similar to Demas's eventual departure? What steps can you take to cultivate greater perseverance and steadfastness?**
* **How does your local church community foster an environment of mutual support and encouragement, allowing diverse gifts to flourish for the common good?**

### FAQ

**Who was Luke, the beloved physician, and what was his significance?**

Answer: Luke is traditionally identified as the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, making him a pivotal figure in New Testament history. Paul describes him as "the beloved physician," indicating both Paul's deep affection and trust for him, and Luke's professional background in medicine. This detail suggests Luke may have provided medical care to Paul during his arduous missionary journeys and imprisonments. His significance lies not only in his literary contributions, which provide a comprehensive account of Jesus' life and the early church's expansion, but also in his unwavering faithfulness to Paul. [2 Timothy 4:11](/2_timothy/4-11 "2 Timothy 4:11 - Luke Remains with Paul") poignantly records that "Only Luke is with me" during Paul's final imprisonment, highlighting his steadfast loyalty.

**Who was Demas, and why is his mention alongside Luke noteworthy?**

Answer: Demas was a companion and "fellow laborer" of Paul, as also mentioned in [Philemon 1:24](/philemon/1-24 "Philemon 1:24 - Paul's Fellow Workers"). At the time of the writing of Colossians, he was part of Paul's immediate circle, sending greetings to the church. His mention alongside Luke is noteworthy primarily because of a later, more somber reference in [2 Timothy 4:10](/2_timothy/4-10 "2 Timothy 4:10 - Demas Forsakes Paul"), where Paul laments, "Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica." This subsequent information provides a stark contrast to Luke's enduring faithfulness, turning the seemingly innocuous greeting in Colossians 4:14 into a subtle, yet powerful, illustration of the human capacity for both steadfastness and spiritual compromise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Colossians 4:14 primarily offers a glimpse into the human dynamics of early Christian ministry, it finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Luke's steadfast devotion to Paul, even in imprisonment, mirrors the unwavering faithfulness to Christ that all believers are called to embody. Just as Luke served Paul, so too are we called to serve the body of Christ, ultimately serving Christ Himself, who is the head of the church ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Church")). Luke, the physician, points us to Jesus, the ultimate Great Physician, who came not for the healthy but for the sick ([Mark 2:17](/mark/2-17 "Mark 2:17 - Jesus Heals the Sick")), offering spiritual healing for sin and brokenness. Conversely, Demas's tragic departure, driven by a love for "this present world," starkly illustrates the warning Jesus gave about the cost of discipleship and the impossibility of serving two masters ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You Cannot Serve Two Masters")). Christ Himself exemplified perfect perseverance in the face of worldly allure and suffering, "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")). Thus, Luke's example calls us to follow Christ with unreserved commitment, and Demas's serves as a solemn reminder to cling to Christ above all else, for only in Him do we find the power to remain steadfast to the end ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philemon 1:24

Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

2 Timothy 4:10

For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

2 Timothy 4:11

Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.