The apostle Paul and Timothy have written a letter replete with sound doctrine and encouragement. They have written of faith, who Christ is and how He works in their lives and relationships. In their closing remarks to the Colossians, Paul and Timothy ask the Colossians to share the letter, admonish Archippus, and to remember Paul’s chains.
Share the Letter
First of all they say to share the letter. The Word of God is never to be a personal thing exclusively. Paul and Timothy wrote to the Colossians. They were to share the letter with the Laodiceans. The Laodiceans were to share their letter with the Colossians to read. Like a good potluck of pre covid days, everyone shared what they had, and they all went away full.
Admonish Archippus
Then in another section of Paul’s closing remarks, he refers to Archippus. God needs workers to harvest in His vineyard. Jesus instructed His followers to pray the Lord of the harvest to send out reapers. Archippus is a fellow soldier, according to Paul’s letter to Philemon. Yet he requires some prodding. He has received a ministry in the Lord. He needs others to come along and tell him to fulfill it. Do we know anyone needing some prodding?
Paul’s Chains
Finally he writes about his chains. We often forget what is going on in someone else’s life especially when they are not in front of us. Paul’s life and ministry depend on prayer. As he writes these closing remarks, Paul is aware of the short memories people have. Meanwhile, his chains prevent him visiting the new believers in person. They also prevent his evangelizing in the cities of Asia. He is tempted to be discouraged. In Hebrews 13:3, the writer tells the readers to remember the prisoners, as if chained with them, and to think of those who are being mistreated because we are all part of the body. Even today we have brothers and sisters that suffer for Christ. Lord help us to faithfully pray for those suffering because they love Jesus.
The apostle Paul and Timothy have written a letter replete with sound doctrine and encouragement. They have written of faith, who Christ is and how He works in their lives and relationships. In their closing remarks to the Colossians, Paul and Timothy ask the Colossians to share the letter, admonish Archippus, and to remember Paul’s chains.
