Kress Biblical Resources :: Information / Participation: Completeness in Christ Brings Fellowship, Love and Concern for the Brethren (Col 4:7-18)

Detailed Outline of Colossians

Completeness in Christ Guards Against the Counterfeits of Mysticism, Legalism, and Traditionalism

6. Information/Participation: Completeness in Christ brings fellowship, love and concern for the brethren (Col 4:7-18)³
   1. Paul sent two representatives to both inform and encourage the Colossians because of his fellowship, love and concern for them—and they for him (Col 4:7-9)
      1. Tychicus—the trusted missionary and messenger (Col 4:7-8)
         1. His character (Col 4:7a)
            1. Beloved brother
            2. Faithful servant
            3. Fellow bond-servant in the Lord
         2. His mission (Col 4:7-8)
            1. Information
            2. Encouragement
      2. Onesimus—the former runaway slave, now faithful brother (Col 4:9)
         1. His character (Col 4:9a)
            1. Faithful and beloved brother
            2. One of your number
         2. His mission (Col 4:9b)
            1. Information
            2. Reconciliation (cf. Philemon)
   2. Paul sent greetings from other believers of note to the Colossians because of their mutual fellowship, love and concern (Col 4:10-14)
      1. The Jewish brethren with whom they partnered with for Christ’s glory (Col 4:10-11)
         1. Aristarchus—the selfless missionary from Macedonia [Thessalonica] (Col 4:10a)
         2. Mark—the famous minister (Col 4:10b)
            1. He had a famous cousin
            2. He was famous for his failure
            3. He would be famous for his service
         3. Jesus called Justus—the man who bore the name of His Savior, and His Savior’s character (Col 4:11a)
         4. Their collective encouragement (Col 4:11b)
      2. The Gentile brethren with whom they partnered with for Christ’s glory (Col 4:12-14)
         1. Epaphras—the passionate pastor and prayer warrior on behalf of the Colossians (Col 4:12-13)
            1. A Colossian
            2. A bond-slave of Jesus Christ
            3. A fervent intercessor
            4. A concerned brother
         2. Luke—the brilliant writer and beloved physician (Col 4:14a)
         3. Demas—the future deserter (Col 4:14b)
   3. Paul sent his final instructions, and personal greetings to promote mutual fellowship, love and concern (Col 4:15-18)
      1. Paul expected that fellowship would take place between different congregations (Col 4:15-16)
         1. Fellowship with, and a desire of blessing for the brethren in Laodicea (Col 4:15a)
         2. Fellowship with, and a desire of blessing for Nympha and the church in her house (Col 4:15b)
         3. Fellowship in the Scriptures between congregations (Col 4:16)
      2. Paul sought to encourage Archippus in fulfilling his ministry (Col 4:17)
      3. Paul personally cared for those believers he had never personally met, and believed that they cared for him (Col 4:18)

³These weren’t superficial closing remarks, but were meant to foster fellowship, love and mutual care for those complete in Christ—between both Jewish and Gentile believers.