Colossians 4:11 kjv
And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
Colossians 4:11 nkjv
and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.
Colossians 4:11 niv
Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.
Colossians 4:11 esv
and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
Colossians 4:11 nlt
Jesus (the one we call Justus) also sends his greetings. These are the only Jewish believers among my co-workers; they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God. And what a comfort they have been!
Colossians 4 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 16:3 | Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus... | Priscilla and Aquila as Paul's "fellow workers." |
| 1 Cor 3:9 | For we are God's fellow workers... | Believers are partners in God's work. |
| 2 Cor 6:1 | And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain... | Paul sees ministry as a joint effort with God. |
| Phil 4:3 | Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women... with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers... | Paul names other faithful co-laborers. |
| Philem 1:24 | Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers. | Aristarchus and Mark are consistently listed as Paul's associates. |
| 1 Thess 3:2 | and sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel... | Timothy, a key "fellow worker." |
| Acts 19:8 | ...speaking boldly for three months, arguing and persuading concerning the things about the kingdom of God. | Paul's focus on proclaiming God's Kingdom. |
| Acts 28:31 | ...preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness... | Proclaiming God's rule was central to early Christian ministry. |
| Col 1:13 | For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son... | Believers are citizens of God's Kingdom. |
| 1 Cor 4:20 | For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. | God's Kingdom involves divine power and transformation. |
| 2 Cor 7:4 | ...I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction. | Paul experienced deep comfort amidst suffering. |
| 2 Cor 7:6 | But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus... | God uses people to bring comfort and solace. |
| Phil 2:19-20 | But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be cheered when I learn of your circumstances. For I have no one else of kindred spirit... | The value of deeply empathetic and loyal companions. |
| Acts 4:36 | Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement)... | Barnabas embodies the concept of spiritual comfort and encouragement. |
| Rom 15:4 | For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. | Scripture provides encouragement and endurance. |
| Heb 12:3 | For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. | Encouragement found in Christ's example. |
| Isa 40:1-2 | "Comfort, O comfort My people," says your God. "Speak kindly to Jerusalem; and call out to her, that her warfare has ended... | God's heart to provide comfort to His people. |
| Psa 119:50 | This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me. | God's word as a source of comfort and revival. |
| 2 Tim 4:10 | For Demas has deserted me, having loved this present world... | Shows the contrasting experience of disloyalty versus steadfast help. |
| 2 Tim 4:16-17 | At my first defense, no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me... | Highlights the profound need for human comfort and support, and the Lord's ultimate provision. |
| Col 4:7-14 | Broader context listing various co-workers like Tychicus, Onesimus, Epaphras, Luke, Demas. | Emphasizes the selectiveness of "alone" among Jewish helpers. |
Colossians 4 verses
Colossians 4 11 Meaning
Colossians 4:11 describes Paul's immediate circle of trustworthy co-workers "from the circumcision" (Jewish believers) during his imprisonment. Paul affirms that Aristarchus, Mark, and Jesus (called Justus) were the exclusive contributors from among the Jewish Christians who genuinely collaborated with him for the advancement of God's Kingdom. Their dedicated service and loyal companionship were a significant source of personal comfort and encouragement to Paul in his arduous circumstances.
Colossians 4 11 Context
Colossians 4:11 is part of the concluding remarks of Paul's letter to the Colossians, specifically his personal greetings and farewells (4:7-18). Having extensively covered profound theological doctrines in chapters 1-3, Paul shifts to practical instructions, personal requests, and naming the individuals associated with his ministry. He provides insights into his current circumstances, likely imprisonment, and the company he keeps. Verses 10-14 list various individuals who are with Paul, often differentiating them by their ethnic background—whether "of the circumcision" (Jewish believers) or Gentiles. This distinction is significant given the prevalent tensions and issues between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church, and the potential for a Jewish-oriented heresy in Colossae that Paul implicitly addresses in his letter. In this context, singling out Aristarchus, Mark, and Jesus Justus highlights their unique faithfulness and productive partnership among Paul's Jewish associates.
Colossians 4 11 Word analysis
- and Jesus, who is called Justus.
- Jesus (G2424, IÄ“sous): A very common Hebrew name, transliterated from Yehoshua (Joshua), meaning "Yahweh is salvation." This specific individual is distinct from Jesus Christ, and the identifier "who is called Justus" serves to distinguish him clearly due to the commonality of the name.
- Justus (G2459, Ioustos): A Latin name meaning "just" or "righteous." It could indicate his character, a Roman connection (perhaps a Roman citizen), or a Gentile background, although the previous verse groups him among those "from the circumcision" (Jewish believers). Paul may have used this appellation for clarity and recognition within the Greco-Roman world.
- These alone
- These: Refers specifically to the three individuals named just before and in this verse: Aristarchus, Mark (v.10), and Jesus Justus (v.11).
- alone (G3441, monos): Denotes singularity, exclusiveness. This is a critical interpretive word. Within the immediate context of "those from the circumcision" mentioned in verse 10, it implies that only these three Jewish believers among Paul's immediate companions actively engaged in supporting his ministry in the way he describes. It does not mean they were Paul's only fellow workers overall, as the subsequent verses (4:12-14) list Epaphras, Luke, and Demas. Rather, it underscores the limited number of his faithful and effective Jewish collaborators at that time and place. This perhaps points to ongoing difficulties with some Jewish Christians not fully embracing Paul's Gentile mission, making the loyalty of these three even more remarkable.
- are my fellow workers
- fellow workers (G4904, synergoi): Derived from syn (with, together) and ergon (work, task). It signifies active partners, those who share in the labor and effort toward a common objective. This emphasizes a collaborative, purposeful ministry relationship. It indicates they were not merely companions but active participants in the work of spreading the Gospel.
- for the kingdom of God;
- for (G1519, eis): Denotes purpose or goal. Their work was directed toward, served, and aimed at the advancement of.
- the kingdom of God (G932, basileia tou theou): Refers to God's sovereign rule and reign, manifested in the world through Jesus Christ and progressively establishing His divine authority in the lives of believers and in the Church. It represents the central purpose of Christian ministry: to see God's rule and saving power expand and be acknowledged.
- they have proved to be a comfort to me.
- they have proved to be (G1096, ginomai): Implies something that "came to be" or "became," indicating an experience or result that was demonstrated and real. Their comfort was not just hoped for, but tangibly received and confirmed.
- comfort (G3931, paregoria): A unique New Testament word. From para (beside, along) and agoreuo (to speak publicly), suggesting a verbal or persuasive form of relief, encouragement, or solace. It means alleviation of distress, cheer, consolation, or even practical help that makes circumstances less burdensome. It points to more than mere presence; it suggests active, supportive interaction that buoyed Paul's spirit and relieved his hardships during imprisonment.
Colossians 4 11 Bonus section
- The particular wording "These alone... from the circumcision" provides insight into the composition of Paul's immediate team and suggests that while many Jewish believers existed, not all were active and unwavering supporters of his missionary approach, especially to Gentiles, as these three were. It subtly underlines Paul's appreciation for their uncommon faithfulness.
- The inclusion of Mark here is particularly significant. Mark had previously abandoned Paul and Barnabas on a missionary journey (Acts 13:13), causing a rift between the two apostles (Acts 15:37-39). His presence now as a trusted "fellow worker" and a "comfort" to Paul showcases Mark's spiritual growth and restoration, highlighting themes of forgiveness, second chances, and redemption in ministry. Paul's later mention in 2 Timothy 4:11, "Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service," further reinforces Mark's full reinstatement and invaluable contribution.
- The fact that Paul is listing individuals and their roles underscores the personal nature of Christian ministry and fellowship. It wasn't just about abstract theological concepts, but about real people working together, supporting one another, and finding comfort in their shared walk of faith and labor for the Gospel.
Colossians 4 11 Commentary
Colossians 4:11 offers a poignant glimpse into the apostle Paul's immediate personal life during his probable imprisonment. Amidst his weighty theological exposition and concern for the churches, he deeply valued the support of his companions. The phrase "These alone are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God" is particularly striking because it specifically identifies Aristarchus, Mark, and Jesus Justus as the sole Jewish believers providing genuine, effective support at that time. This might reflect a broader reality of the early church where full cooperation between Jewish and Gentile segments of the Body of Christ was still developing, and not all Jewish Christians fully embraced Paul's mission to the Gentiles or his method. Their "fellow work" for the "kingdom of God" signifies their shared devotion to advancing God's universal reign through the Gospel, implying practical assistance and evangelistic endeavors. Crucially, their impact extended beyond shared labor; they "proved to be a comfort" to Paul. This speaks to the immense value of loyal personal relationships, spiritual encouragement, and practical support during times of difficulty and hardship in ministry. Even for a man of Paul's spiritual stature, human encouragement and faithful companionship were vital for enduring the burdens of his calling. Their presence alleviated his distress, affirmed his spirit, and bolstered his perseverance.