Colossians 4:10

Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

Aristarchus {G708} my {G3450} fellowprisoner {G4869} saluteth {G782} you {G5209}, and {G2532} Marcus {G3138}, sister's son {G431} to Barnabas {G921},(touching {G4012} whom {G3739} ye received {G2983} commandments {G1785}: if {G1437} he come {G2064} unto {G4314} you {G5209}, receive {G1209} him {G846};)

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends greetings, as does Mark, Bar-Nabba’s cousin, concerning whom you have received instructions — if he comes to you, welcome him.

My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him.

Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (touching whom ye received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him),

Commentary

Colossians 4:10 introduces two significant figures in Paul's apostolic circle, Aristarchus and John Mark, conveying their greetings and offering specific instructions regarding the latter.

Context

This verse is part of the concluding remarks of Paul's Epistle to the Colossians, a letter likely written during his imprisonment in Rome. In these final verses, Paul extends greetings from his companions, providing a glimpse into his personal network and the broader fellowship of the early church. The Colossian church would have recognized these names, and Paul's specific instructions for John Mark highlight a particular pastoral concern and the importance of hospitality within the Christian community. This epistle is often grouped with other 'prison epistles' like Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon, all reflecting Paul's circumstances while incarcerated for the Gospel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Fellowship in Suffering: Aristarchus is identified as Paul's "fellowprisoner" (Greek: synaichmalōtos), indicating he shared in Paul's confinement or severe hardship for the sake of Christ. This term emphasizes the deep bond and shared sacrifice among believers, especially those actively engaged in missionary work. Aristarchus's presence with Paul underscores the loyalty and commitment of Paul's co-workers, even in times of adversity.
  • Reconciliation and Restoration: The inclusion of Marcus, identified as "sister's son to Barnabas" (meaning his cousin), is highly significant. This is John Mark, who famously departed from Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey, leading to a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas (see Acts 15:39). Paul's explicit command to "receive him" (Greek: prosdechomai, to welcome or accept) clearly indicates that John Mark had been restored to Paul's trust and ministry, and any past reservations about him should be set aside. This demonstrates the powerful theme of reconciliation and second chances within the body of Christ. Later, Paul even commends Mark as "profitable to me for the ministry" (2 Timothy 4:11).
  • Christian Hospitality: The directive to "receive him" highlights the crucial importance of hospitality and acceptance within the early Christian communities. Believers were expected to welcome fellow workers and travelling ministers, providing support and affirmation, especially when there might have been previous misunderstandings or concerns.

Linguistic Insights

The term "fellowprisoner" (Greek: synaichmalōtos) literally means "one captured with" or "fellow captive." While it could mean actual shared imprisonment, it often signifies a deep bond of suffering and partnership in the Gospel, reflecting a shared fate or mission that brings hardship. The command "receive him" (Greek: prosdechomai) is a strong imperative, urging the Colossians to warmly welcome John Mark, implying a need to overcome any potential lingering doubts or past impressions.

Practical Application

Colossians 4:10 offers several timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us of the profound value of Christian fellowship and mutual support, especially during challenging times. We are called to stand with and pray for one another, sharing in both joys and difficulties. Secondly, the story of John Mark is a powerful testament to the grace of God and the importance of offering second chances and opportunities for restoration. Just as God forgives and restores us, we are to extend that same grace to others, allowing them to grow beyond past mistakes and contribute to the work of the Kingdom. Finally, the verse underscores the ongoing call to hospitality within the church, encouraging us to welcome and affirm those who serve Christ, fostering a spirit of unity and acceptance.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 19:29 (5 votes)

    And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

  • 2 Timothy 4:11 (5 votes)

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

  • Philemon 1:24 (5 votes)

    Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

  • Acts 12:12 (4 votes)

    And when he had considered [the thing], he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

  • Acts 20:4 (4 votes)

    And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

  • Acts 27:2 (4 votes)

    And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; [one] Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

  • Acts 15:37 (4 votes)

    And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.