Colossians 4 14

Colossians 4:14 kjv

Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

Colossians 4:14 nkjv

Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.

Colossians 4:14 niv

Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.

Colossians 4:14 esv

Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.

Colossians 4:14 nlt

Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings, and so does Demas.

Colossians 4 verses

Colossians 4 14 Meaning

Colossians 4:14 sends greetings from two individuals closely associated with Paul during his imprisonment: Luke, identified as a "beloved physician," and Demas. This verse serves as a personal touch, conveying solidarity and fellowship from Paul's companions to the Colossian believers, highlighting the communal nature of early Christian witness. It introduces two individuals whose lives illustrate differing aspects of faithful companionship in ministry.

Colossians 4 14 Context

Colossians 4:14 concludes Paul's greetings section within his letter to the church at Colossae, immediately after mentioning specific individuals who were with him or had served alongside him. The broader context of Colossians is Paul's instruction on Christian living and sound doctrine, written while he was imprisoned. He addresses false teachings threatening the Colossian church and encourages believers to walk in Christ. The personal greetings, though seemingly brief, connect Paul and his close ministry team directly with the recipients, reinforcing the sense of a shared faith community and demonstrating the diversity of roles and backgrounds within early Christian ministry. They served to validate the letter's authority, update the churches on Paul's circumstances, and express mutual affection and prayer.

Colossians 4 14 Word analysis

• Luke (Λουκᾶς - Loukas): Refers to the Gentile physician and author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. He was a dedicated companion to Paul, often mentioned as being with him, especially during Paul's later journeys and imprisonments. His meticulous historical detail in his writings reflects a careful and observant mind, potentially influenced by his medical training. He exemplifies consistent faithfulness in ministry.
• the beloved (ὁ ἀγαπητός - ho agapetos): This Greek term signifies deep affection, endearment, and a special bond. When applied to Luke, it underscores Paul's profound respect, love, and trust for his loyal companion. It speaks to a relationship characterized by shared faith, enduring friendship, and mutual spiritual connection, setting him apart as particularly cherished.
• physician (ὁ ἰατρός - ho iatros): Identifies Luke's professional background. Physicians in the Roman world varied in status but often held respect, particularly educated ones. This detail reveals a practical aspect of Luke's service to Paul, potentially offering medical care for Paul's chronic ailments (Gal 4:13-14; 2 Cor 12:7). It also subtly affirms that esteemed professions were welcomed and utilized within the early Christian community, emphasizing the broad appeal and acceptance of the Gospel across societal strata.
• and Demas (καὶ Δημᾶς - kai Dēmas): Demas is mentioned here as one sending greetings alongside Luke, indicating he was a companion and fellow worker with Paul at this time. His inclusion serves as a neutral mention, but in light of later Scripture (2 Tim 4:10), it takes on poignant significance as he later deserted Paul due to love for the present world. In Colossians 4:14, he is simply presented as part of Paul's circle, not yet showing signs of his future spiritual lapse.
• greet you (ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς - aspazontai hymas): This common Pauline closing indicates a sending of salutations or well-wishes. It signifies Christian fellowship, unity, and a bond of shared faith among believers separated by distance. It reinforces the connection between Paul's ministry team and the Colossian church, showing care and acknowledgment of their spiritual brotherhood.

Colossians 4 14 Bonus section

• The naming of Luke as a "physician" distinguishes him and could suggest why his Gospel account, particularly in its emphasis on Jesus' healing miracles, the care for the sick, and even the precise vocabulary used for illnesses, exhibits a medical sensitivity and detail beyond other Gospels.
• The placement of Luke and Demas together in the greetings, followed by Demas's later desertion, subtly underscores a core Christian theme: the call to persevere in faith until the end. Luke’s enduring loyalty became a beacon, while Demas’s story serves as a sober reminder of the dangers of worldly enticements.
• Paul's personal friendships, as shown through these greetings, were foundational to his ministry. He didn't work in isolation but surrounded himself with a diverse team of dedicated individuals whose skills and faithfulness were crucial to spreading the Gospel and nurturing the nascent church.

Colossians 4 14 Commentary

Colossians 4:14 is a brief but rich verse within Paul's final salutations. It intimately reveals Paul's close network of co-workers, focusing on two figures: Luke and Demas. Luke is highlighted as "the beloved physician," a description that speaks volumes about his character, Paul's affection for him, and his valuable professional skills used in service to the Lord. As a physician, Luke was likely an educated man, and his care for Paul, who faced constant hardships, was undoubtedly vital. His steadfast faithfulness is evident, especially when contrasted with Demas. Demas, though seemingly a committed companion at the time of this letter's writing, later regrettably turned away from Paul for worldly affections (2 Tim 4:10). This juxtaposed mention of two men—one profoundly loyal and the other eventually wavering—serves as a subtle but powerful testament to the spiritual realities of endurance and temptation within Christian ministry. The greetings collectively underline the robust fellowship and mutual support within the early Church, a vibrant community knit together by Christ, extending care and acknowledgment across geographical distances.