Colossians 4:15

KJV

Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

KJV (with Strong's)

Salute {G782} the brethren {G80} which are in {G1722} Laodicea {G2993}, and {G2532} Nymphas {G3564}, and {G2532} the church {G1577} which is in {G2596} his {G846} house {G3624}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Give my greetings to the brothers in Laodicea, also to Nympha and the congregation that meets in her home.

Berean Standard Bible

Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house.

American Standard Version

Salute the brethren that are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church that is in their house.

Commentary

### 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](/colossians/4-16 "Colossians 4:16 - Exchange of Letters").
* **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](/romans/16-5 "Romans 16:5 - The Church in Aquila and Priscilla's House"). 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](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practicing Hospitality").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Salute (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** 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.
* **church (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** 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.
* **house (Greek, _oîkos'_):** 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.

* [Romans 16:3-5](/romans/16-3-5 "Romans 16:3-5 - Priscilla and Aquila and the Church in Their House")
* [1 Corinthians 16:19](/1_corinthians/16-19 "1 Corinthians 16:19 - Aquila and Priscilla's House Church")
* [Philemon 1:1-2](/philemon/1-1-2 "Philemon 1:1-2 - Paul's Greeting to Philemon and the Church in His House")

### 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
* **How does the concept of a "house church" challenge or expand your understanding of what "church" truly is?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate deeper, more intimate fellowship with other believers in your own context?**
* **How might you practice hospitality more intentionally to foster Christian community and share the Gospel?**
* **What does Paul's personal greeting to Nymphas teach us about the value of individual relationships within the broader body of Christ?**

### FAQ

**Was Nymphas male or female, and does it matter for the interpretation of the verse?**

Answer: 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](/acts/16-15 "Acts 16:15 - Lydia's Hospitality").

### 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](/matthew/18-20 "Matthew 18:20 - Where Two or Three Are Gathered")). The unity and fellowship Paul fosters through these greetings reflect Christ's prayer for His disciples' unity in [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity"). 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](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment to Love")). 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](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")), demonstrating His continued Lordship over His redeemed people.

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

Romans 16:5

Likewise [greet] the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

1 Corinthians 16:9

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and [there are] many adversaries.

Philemon 1:2

And to [our] beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: