TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Colossians 4:7–18. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
In the close of this epistle the apostle does several of his friends the honour to leave their names upon record, with some testimony of his respect, which will be spoken of wherever the gospel comes, and last to the end of the world.
I.Concerning Tychicus, Col 4:7.
By him this epistle was sent; and he does not give them an account in writing of his present state, because Tychicus would do it by word of mouth more fully and particularly. He knew they would be glad to hear how it fared with him. The churches cannot but be concerned for good ministers and desirous to know their state. He gives him this character, A beloved brother and faithful minister. Paul, though a great apostle, owns a faithful minister for a brother and a beloved brother. Faithfulness in any one is truly lovely, and renders him worthy our affection and esteem. And a fellow-servant in the Lord. Ministers are servants to Christ, and fellow-servants to one another. They have one Lord, though they have different stations and capacities of service. Observe, It adds much to the beauty and strength of the gospel ministry when ministers are thus loving and condescending one to another, and by all just means support and advance one another's reputation. Paul sent him not only to tell them of his affairs, but to bring him an account of theirs: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts, Col 4:8. He was willing to hear from them as they could be to hear from him, and thought himself as much obliged to sympathize with them as he thought them obliged to sympathize with him. It is a great comfort, under the troubles and difficulties of life, to have the mutual concern of fellow-christians.
II.Concerning Onesimus (Col 4:9):
With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. He was sent back from Rome along with Tychicus. This was he whom Paul had begotten in his bonds, Plm 1:10. He had been servant to Philemon, and was a member, if not a minister, of their church. He was converted at Rome, whither he had fled from his master's service; and was now sent back, it is probable, with the epistle to Philemon, to introduce him again into his master's family. Observe, Though he was a poor servant, and had been a bad man, yet, being now a convert, Paul calls him a faithful and beloved brother. The meanest circumstance of life, and greatest wickedness of former life, make no difference in the spiritual relation among sincere Christians: they partake of the same privileges, and are entitles to the same regards. The righteousness of God by faith of Jesus Christ is unto all and upon all those that believe; for there is no difference (Rom 3:22): and there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither bond nor free, for you are all one in Christ Jesus, Gal 3:28. Perhaps this was some time after he was converted and sent back to Philemon, and by this time he had entered into the ministry, because Paul calls him a brother.
III.Aristarchus, a fellow-prisoner.
Those who join in services and sufferings should be thereby engaged to one another in holy love. Paul had a particular affection for his fellow-servants and his fellow-prisoners.
IV.Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas.
This is supposed to be the same who wrote the gospel which bears his name. If he come unto you receive him. Paul had a quarrel with Barnabas upon the account of this Mark, who was his nephew, and thought not good to take him with them, because he departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work, Act 15:38. He would not take Mark with him, but took Silas, because Mark had deserted them; and yet Paul is not only reconciled to him himself, but recommends him to the respect of the churches, and gives a great example of a truly Christian forgiving spirit. If men have been guilty of a fault, it must not be always remembered against them. We must forget as well as forgive. If a man be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, Gal 6:1.
V.Here is one who is called Jesus, which is the Greek name for the Hebrew Joshua.
If Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterwards have spoken of another day, Heb 4:8. Who is called Justus. It is probable that he changed his name for that of Justus, in honour to the name of the Redeemer. Or else Jesus was his Jewish name, for he was of the circumcision; and Justus his Roman or Latin name. These are my fellow-labourers unto the kingdom of God, who have been a comfort unto me. Observe, What comfort the apostle had in the communion of saints and ministers! One is his fellow-servant, another his fellow-prisoner, and all his fellow-workers, who were working out their own salvation and endeavouring to promote the salvation of others. Good ministers take great comfort in those who are their fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God. Their friendship and converse together are a great refreshment under the sufferings and difficulties in their way.
VI.Epaphras (Col 4:12), the same with Epaphroditus.
He is one of you, one of your church; he salutes you, or sends his service to you, and his best affections and wishes. Always labouring fervently for you in prayers. Epaphras had learned of Paul to be much in prayer for his friends. Observe,
1.In what manner he prayed for them. He laboured in prayer, laboured fervently, and always laboured fervently for them. Those who would succeed in prayer must take pains in prayer; and we must be earnest in prayer, not only for ourselves, but for others also. It is the effectual fervent prayer which is the prevailing prayer, and availeth much (Jam 5:16), and Elias prayed earnestly that it might not rain, Col 4:17.
2.What is the matter of this prayer: That you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Observe, To stand perfect and complete in the will of God is what we should earnestly desire both for ourselves and others. We must stand complete in all the will of God; in the will of his precepts by a universal obedience, and in the will of his providence by a cheerful submission to it: and we stand perfect and complete in both by constancy and perseverance unto the end. The apostle was witness for Epaphras that he had a great zeal for them: "I bear him record; I can testify for him that he has a great concern for you, and that all he does for you proceeds from a warm desire for your good." And his zeal extended to all about them: to those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. He had a great concern for the Christian interest in the neighbouring places, as well as among them.
VII.Luke is another here mentioned, whom he calls the beloved physician.
This is he who wrote the Gospel and Acts, and was Paul's companion. Observe, He was both a physician and an evangelist. Christ himself both taught and healed, and was the great physician as well as prophet of the church. He was the beloved physician; one who recommended himself more than ordinary to the affections of his friends. Skill in physic is a useful accomplishment in a minister and may be improved to more extensive usefulness and greater esteem among Christians.
VIII.Demas.
Whether this was written before the second epistle to Timothy or after is not certain. There we read (Ti2 4:10), Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world. Some have thought that this epistle was written after; and then it is an evidence that, though Demas forsook Paul, yet he did not forsake Christ; or he forsook him but for a time, and recovered himself again, and Paul forgave him and owned him as a brother. But others think more probably that this epistle was written before the other; this in anno 62, that in 66, and then it is an evidence how considerable a man Demas was, who yet afterwards revolted. Many who have made a great figure in profession, and gained a great name among Christians, have yet shamefully apostatized: They went forth from us, because they were not of us, Jo1 2:19.
IX.The brethren in Laodicea are here mentioned, as living in the neighbourhood of Colosse:
and Paul sends salutations to them, and orders that this epistle should be read in the church of the Laodiceans (Col 4:16), that a copy of it should be sent thither, to be read publicly in their congregation. And some think Paul sent another epistle at this time to Laodicea, and ordered them to send for that from Laodicea, and read it in their church: And that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. If so, that epistle is now lost, and did not belong to the canon; for all the epistles which the apostles ever wrote were not preserved, any more than the words and actions of our blessed Lord. There are many other things which Jesus did, which if they should be written every one, I suppose the world itself could not contain the books which would be written, Joh 21:25. But some think it was the epistle to the Ephesians, which is still extant.
X.Nymphas is mentioned (Col 4:15) as one who lived at Colosse, and had a church in his house; that is, either a religious family, where the several parts of worship were daily performed; or some part of the congregation met there, when they had no public places of worship allowed, and they were forced to assemble in private houses for fear of their enemies. The disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews (Joh 20:19), and the apostle preached in his own lodging and hired house, Act 28:23, Act 28:30. In the former sense it showed his exemplary piety; in the latter his zeal and public spirit.
XI.Concerning Archippus, who was one of their ministers at Colosse.
They are bidden to admonish him to mind his work as a minister, to take heed to it, and to fulfil it - to be diligent and careful of all the parts of it, and to persevere in it unto the end. They must attend to the main design of their ministry, without troubling themselves or the people with things foreign to it, or of less moment. Observe, (1.) The ministry we have received is a great honour; for it is received in the Lord, and is by his appointment and command. (2.) Those who have received it must fulfil it, or do the full duty of it. Those betray their trust, and will have a sad account at last, who do this work of the Lord negligently. (3.) The people may put their ministers in mind of their duty, and excite them to it: Say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry, though no doubt with decency and respect, not from pride and conceit.
XII.Concerning himself (Col 4:18):
The salutation of me Paul. Remember my bonds. He had a scribe to write all the rest of the epistle, but these words he wrote with his own hand: Remember my bonds. He does not say, "Remember I am a prisoner, and send me supply;" but, "Remember I am in bonds as the apostle of the Gentiles, and let this confirm your faith in the gospel of Christ:" it adds weight to this exhortation: I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy, Eph 4:1. "Grace be with you. The favour of God, and all good, the blessed fruits and effects of it, be with you, and be your portion."
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Salute Cassian, my host, and his most serious-minded partner in life, and their very dear children, to whom may "God grant that they find mercy of the Lord in that day," on account of their ministrations to us, whom also I commend to thee in Christ. Salute by name all the faithful in Christ that are at Laodicea. Do not neglect those at Tarsus, but look after them steadily, confirming them in the Gospel. I salute in the Lord, Maris the bishop of Neapolis, near Anazarbus. Salute thou also Mary my daughter, distinguished both for gravity and erudition, as also "the Church which is in her house." May my soul be in place of hers: she is the very pattern of pious women. May the Father of Christ, by His only-begotten Son, preserve thee in good health, and of high repute in all things, to a very old age, for the benefit of the Church of God! Farewell in the Lord, and pray thou that I may be perfected.
"Salute the brethren that are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the Church that is in their house."
See how he cements, and knits them together with one another, not by salutation only, but also by interchanging his Epistles. Then again he pays a compliment by addressing him individually. And this he doth not without a reason, but in order to lead the others also to emulate his zeal. For it is not a small thing not to be numbered with the rest. Mark further how he shows the man to be great, seeing his house was a church.
Continue studying Colossians 4:15 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Colossians 4:15 concludes Paul's personal greetings in his letter, extending salutations to the Christian community in Laodicea and specifically to Nymphas and the church that gathered in their home. This verse provides a valuable glimpse into the structure of early Christian fellowship, highlighting the importance of interconnected communities and the foundational role of house churches in the nascent spread of the Gospel. It underscores the personal nature of apostolic care and the practical realities of early Christian assembly.
Context
Literary Context
Colossians 4:15 is situated within the concluding section of Paul's letter to the Colossians, following his theological exposition (chapters 1-2) and practical exhortations for Christian living (chapter 3). Chapter 4 begins with further instructions on prayer and conduct, then transitions into personal greetings and commendations (Colossians 4:7-18). This verse is part of a series of specific salutations and instructions regarding other churches and individuals, demonstrating Paul's extensive network and pastoral care. It immediately precedes Paul's instruction for the Colossians to read the letter to the Laodiceans and vice-versa, emphasizing the inter-church communication and shared spiritual resources among the Lycus Valley congregations, as seen in Colossians 4:16.
Historical & Cultural Context
Laodicea was a wealthy and influential city in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey), located approximately ten miles northwest of Colossae in the Lycus Valley. It was renowned for its banking, black wool production, and a famous medical school that produced an eye salve. The mention of a church meeting in a private home reflects the common practice of early Christianity, as believers lacked dedicated church buildings and often met in the larger homes of wealthier members. This practice was not unique to Laodicea or Colossae but was a widespread phenomenon, as evidenced by references to house churches in other Pauline letters, such as the church in Aquila and Priscilla's house mentioned in Romans 16:5. Such gatherings facilitated intimate fellowship, communal worship, and discipleship in a society that often viewed Christians with suspicion.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Colossians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Christian Unity and Fellowship, demonstrating the interconnectedness of early Christian communities across geographical boundaries and the personal nature of apostolic care. Paul's greetings are not mere formalities but expressions of genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of believers. Secondly, it highlights the Nature of the Early Church as a decentralized, organic movement primarily organized around house churches. These intimate settings fostered deep community and were crucial for the spread of the Gospel, providing accessible spaces for teaching, worship, and mutual support. Finally, the verse implicitly emphasizes the theme of Hospitality, as Nymphas's willingness to host a church gathering was a vital act of service and a practical expression of Christian love, enabling the community to flourish. This echoes the broader New Testament emphasis on hospitality as a core Christian virtue, as encouraged in Romans 12:13.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From a compound of "as" (a particle of union) and a presumed form of "spao" (to draw or pull); meaning to enfold in the arms, and by implication, to salute or welcome. In this context, it signifies a warm, personal greeting, reflecting Paul's affectionate regard for the believers and his desire for their mutual encouragement and recognition within the broader Christian network. It's more than a mere formality; it conveys a sense of embrace and fellowship.
From a compound of "ek" (out of) and a derivative of "kaleo" (to call); meaning "a calling out," specifically referring to a popular meeting or, concretely, a religious congregation. In the New Testament, it denotes a community of believers, whether a local assembly or the universal body of Christ. Here, it specifically refers to a local assembly of Christians, emphasizing that even in a private home, a true "church" – a called-out assembly of God's people – was present and active.
Of uncertain affinity; meaning a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively). In this verse, "house" refers to a physical dwelling where a Christian congregation met. It underscores the domestic setting of early Christian worship and fellowship, indicating that the church was not confined to public spaces but thrived in the intimate environment of believers' homes, often encompassing the entire household (family, servants, etc.).
Verse Breakdown
"Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea"
Paul extends a direct and personal greeting to the Christian believers ("brethren") residing in the city of Laodicea. This demonstrates the interconnectedness of early Christian communities and Paul's pastoral concern for churches beyond those he directly founded or was currently visiting. It also implies a shared understanding of common faith and fellowship among these regional congregations.
"and Nymphas"
The greeting is then particularized to an individual named Nymphas. The Greek name (Νυμφᾶς, Nymphas) can be either masculine or feminine, though the KJV's "his house" suggests a masculine interpretation. Regardless of gender, Nymphas is highlighted as a significant figure in the Laodicean Christian community, likely a prominent member or leader.
"and the church which is in his house"
This phrase is crucial, indicating that a distinct local congregation ("the church") met in Nymphas's private residence. This detail provides invaluable insight into the organizational structure of early Christianity, where "house churches" served as primary centers for worship, teaching, fellowship, and evangelism, reflecting a decentralized and organic growth model for the nascent Christian movement.
Literary Devices
Colossians 4:15 employs several literary devices to convey its message. Direct Address is evident as Paul issues a command ("Salute") to the Colossian believers, instructing them to convey his greetings to specific individuals and communities. This creates a sense of immediate connection and shared responsibility within the Christian network. Personalization is a key feature, as Paul moves from a general greeting to "the brethren in Laodicea" to the specific mention of "Nymphas" and the "church in his house." This highlights the individual relationships and personal connections that underpinned the early church, emphasizing that the church was not an abstract institution but a vibrant community of named individuals. Furthermore, the phrase "the church which is in his house" can be seen as a form of Metonymy, where "house" stands in for the entire gathering or congregation that meets within it. It signifies the domestic setting as the locus of the spiritual community, illustrating how the physical space became synonymous with the spiritual assembly.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Colossians 4:15 powerfully illustrates the organic and relational nature of the early church, emphasizing that the church is fundamentally a community of people, not a building or an institution. The mention of a "house church" reveals the practical reality of Christian assembly in the first century, where believers gathered in homes for worship, teaching, and fellowship. This intimate setting fostered deep relationships and mutual support, embodying the New Testament's vision of the church as the body of Christ, interconnected and interdependent. The greetings themselves underscore the importance of Christian fellowship and the network of care that bound these nascent communities together, even across cities. This verse reminds us that the mission of God unfolds through personal relationships and the hospitality of ordinary believers who open their homes for the sake of the Gospel.
Reflection and Application
Colossians 4:15 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that the essence of the church lies in its people and their relationships, not in its physical structures. It challenges us to re-evaluate our understanding of Christian community, encouraging us to cultivate genuine, intimate fellowship that extends beyond formal gatherings. The example of Nymphas and the house church underscores the vital role of hospitality in fostering spiritual growth and outreach. Opening our homes, our lives, and our resources for the sake of the Gospel creates spaces where authentic community can flourish, where the Word can be shared, and where mutual care can be practiced. This verse calls us to embrace a more relational and decentralized vision of the church, recognizing that powerful spiritual movements often begin in humble settings, fueled by the willingness of individuals to serve and connect. It invites us to consider how we can be more intentional in building bridges of fellowship and extending welcome to others, mirroring the early church's vibrant, home-based gatherings.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was Nymphas male or female, and does it matter for the interpretation of the verse?
The gender of Nymphas (Greek: Νυμφᾶς, Nymphas) is ambiguous in the original Greek text. While the King James Version translates "his house," suggesting a male, the Greek form could also be the genitive singular of a feminine name, Nympha, meaning "her house." Early church tradition and some manuscripts lean towards a masculine interpretation, but the textual evidence is not definitive. However, the gender of Nymphas does not alter the core message of the verse, which highlights the existence and importance of a house church in Laodicea. Regardless of whether Nymphas was male or female, the significant point is that a believer opened their home to host a gathering of Christians, demonstrating vital hospitality and providing a crucial space for the early church to flourish, a practice seen throughout the New Testament, such as with Lydia's household in Acts 16:15.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Colossians 4:15, though a simple greeting, points to Christ's ongoing work through His body, the Church. The very existence of a "church in his house" in Laodicea is a testament to the expansion of Christ's kingdom, initiated by His redemptive work on the cross and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The gathering of believers, whether in a grand temple or a humble home, is a manifestation of Christ's presence, for He promised, "where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20). The unity and fellowship Paul fosters through these greetings reflect Christ's prayer for His disciples' unity in John 17:20-23. Furthermore, the hospitality extended by Nymphas, opening their home for the church, mirrors Christ's own welcoming nature and His call for believers to love one another as He has loved them (John 13:34-35). The church, whether in a house or a larger assembly, is Christ's chosen instrument for displaying His glory and carrying out His mission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20), demonstrating His continued Lordship over His redeemed people.