Colossians 4 10

Colossians 4:10 kjv

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

Colossians 4:10 nkjv

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),

Colossians 4:10 niv

My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)

Colossians 4:10 esv

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions ? if he comes to you, welcome him),

Colossians 4:10 nlt

Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas's cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way.

Colossians 4 verses

Colossians 4 10 Meaning

Colossians 4:10 is a personal greeting from Aristarchus and John Mark, conveyed through Paul in his letter to the church at Colossae. The verse informs the Colossians of Aristarchus's shared imprisonment with Paul, and importantly, clarifies John Mark's standing and future welcome. It underscores the deep fellowship among Paul's co-workers, especially in suffering, and emphasizes the principle of reconciliation and the importance of hospitality within the Christian community, particularly towards those restored to service.

Colossians 4 10 Context

Colossians 4:10 is part of Paul's concluding greetings and final instructions in his letter to the Colossians. Following doctrinal instruction and practical admonitions on Christian living, chapters 4:7-18 serve as Paul's personal touch, sending trusted messengers (Tychicus and Onesimus) and extending greetings from his companions. These greetings provided vital connection between Paul, imprisoned in Rome, and the distant churches, reinforcing communal bonds and shared ministry. The specific instructions concerning Mark address a potential historical perception due to his earlier actions in Acts and demonstrate Paul's direct pastoral guidance to ensure a proper welcome for a returning and restored minister of the gospel.

Colossians 4 10 Word analysis

• Aristarchus (Ἀρίσταρχος - Aristarkhos): Meaning "best ruler." He was a Macedonian from Thessalonica, a faithful companion and fellow traveler of Paul through various perils (Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2). His consistent presence alongside Paul during imprisonment highlights his loyalty and dedication.
• my fellow prisoner (συναιχμάλωτος - synaichmalōtos): Literally "co-prisoner of war" or "fellow captive." This powerful term implies shared suffering for the gospel. While it could mean actual incarceration with Paul, it often refers more broadly to sharing Paul's tribulations, trials, or spiritual "captivity" endured for Christ's sake (e.g., Philem 1:23 uses this for Epaphras), emphasizing deep solidarity and risk taken for the faith.
• greets you (ἀσπάζεται - aspazetai): A common, warm, and affectionate greeting in ancient letters, conveying fellowship and well-wishes from one Christian to another, representing unity in the body of Christ.
• and Mark (Μᾶρκος - Markos): Refers to John Mark. His early missionary service was with Paul and Barnabas, from which he famously departed (Acts 13:13). This early departure led to a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:37-39). This mention, and particularly Paul's instruction, indicates a full reconciliation and restoration of Mark into Paul's trusted circle and ministry.
• the cousin of Barnabas (ἀνεψιός - anepsios): Specifically meaning "first cousin." This familial link is significant. Barnabas, "Son of Encouragement," was a highly respected leader (Acts 4:36-37) who continued to support Mark after the separation with Paul (Acts 15:39). This relationship likely added credibility and weight to Mark's re-introduction, leveraging Barnabas's reputation within the church.
• concerning whom you received instructions— (περὶ οὗ ἐλάβετε ἐντολάς - peri hou elabete entolas): The phrase "received instructions" (ἐντολάς - entolas, literally "commands" or "orders") is critical. It implies a previous communication, possibly verbal through messengers like Epaphras or Tychicus, or a lost letter. This suggests there might have been previous reservations or concerns among the Colossians about Mark due to his past (Acts 13:13), and Paul had already provided guidance on how to address any lingering doubts about his character or commitment.
• if he comes to you, welcome him) (ἐὰν ἔλθῃ πρὸς ὑμᾶς, προσδέξασθε αὐτόν - ean elthē pros hymas, prosdexasthe auton): "If he comes" indicates an anticipated visit, showcasing Mark's ongoing itinerate ministry. "Welcome him" (προσδέξασθε - prosdexasthe) is a strong command to receive someone favorably, accept them, embrace them, and offer hospitality. It goes beyond mere acknowledgement to full acceptance and support, demonstrating Paul's desire for the Colossian church to embrace Mark and affirm his renewed place in ministry, overlooking any past issues.

Words-group analysis:

• "Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you": This grouping immediately identifies Aristarchus not just as a sender of greetings but as one deeply involved in the gospel cause, even to the point of sharing in Paul's tribulation. It highlights shared hardship and spiritual solidarity.
• "Mark the cousin of Barnabas": This phrase precisely identifies Mark by his relationship to a prominent and well-regarded figure, which served to connect him to established Christian leadership and perhaps soften any remaining apprehension about his past. It also subtly recalls Barnabas's unwavering support for Mark.
• "concerning whom you received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him)": This is a direct, urgent, and authoritative command from Paul, demonstrating his proactive pastoral care. It shows that Paul was actively paving the way for Mark's reception, acknowledging and addressing potential hesitancy head-on, thereby ensuring unity and the smooth operation of gospel ministry. This phrase signifies a deliberate act of reconciliation and public affirmation.

Colossians 4 10 Bonus section

The "instructions" about Mark likely reveal Paul's awareness of inter-church dynamics and potential lingering skepticism or judgment based on previous events (Mark's departure in Acts 13). Paul's deliberate intervention was necessary to proactively clear the path for Mark, ensuring that past actions would not hinder his current or future ministry among the Colossians. This not only speaks to Mark's character development and reconciliation with Paul but also underscores the importance of a church culture where forgiveness and restoration are prioritized, making way for all God's people to serve according to their gifts, even if they stumbled previously. Mark's subsequent valuable contributions, including likely penning the Gospel of Mark and serving with Peter (1 Pet 5:13), affirm the wisdom of Paul's endorsement and the power of second chances in God's kingdom.

Colossians 4 10 Commentary

Colossians 4:10, though seemingly a brief closing remark, is laden with significant meaning about the relational and theological landscape of the early church. Paul's description of Aristarchus as his "fellow prisoner" powerfully testifies to the reality of suffering for Christ and the profound spiritual solidarity shared among believers engaged in gospel ministry. It echoes the Apostle's own identification as "a prisoner for Christ Jesus" (Eph 3:1), illustrating that imprisonment and hardship were integral aspects of their ministry, forming deep bonds of fellowship in suffering.

The instruction regarding John Mark is particularly rich. It transcends a mere courtesy greeting; it is Paul's direct endorsement of a vital figure who had a tumultuous past with him (Acts 13:13; 15:37-39). The inclusion of Mark and Paul's explicit command to "welcome him" is a testament to the transformative power of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation within the Christian community. It signals Mark's full restoration, not just to Paul's good graces, but to active, trusted gospel work. This command also implies that news of Mark's past issues, or at least the initial dispute, may have reached the Colossian church, making Paul's direct instruction essential to prevent lingering skepticism and to ensure he received the hospitality fitting for a co-laborer in the Lord. Mentioning Mark's relation to Barnabas, "the cousin of Barnabas," serves as a familial credential, reminding the church of Barnabas's steadfastness and his vital role as a "son of encouragement." Ultimately, this verse serves as a potent reminder that the church, as the body of Christ, is a place where past failings can be overcome by God's grace, second chances are given, and brothers and sisters are called to welcome and support one another, fostering unity and furthering the spread of the gospel.

Examples:

• A church showing sincere welcome and hospitality to new members, especially those who may have a complex past or need a fresh start.
• Believers extending forgiveness and actively seeking reconciliation with a brother or sister in Christ, modeling second chances after past disagreements or mistakes.
• A Christian leader advocating for a fellow minister who may have stumbled but has demonstrated repentance and a desire to serve, helping to re-integrate them into active ministry.