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.)
Summary: This verse provides a peek at life in Paul’s day and the people around him.
At some point, after reading the Bible enough times, a person begins to see things differently. Take Aristarchus, for example.
Paul casually mentions “my fellow prisoner,” Aristarchus. Instantly, questions come to mind: Who is Aristarchus? Why is he in prison with Paul? Where is he from?
Poking through the New Testament, we find a few clues.
Our primary source of information is Luke, the physician and historian. (If you are a fan of the first Star Trek series, Luke is the equivalent of Dr. McCoy and Spock in one person.)
Luke noted that Aristarchus is a “Macedonian from Thessalonica” (Acts 27:2). He also tells us about the time that a man named Gaius, along with Aristarchus, got caught up in a riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:29). If it hadn’t been for a quick thinking city clerk, Aristarchus’s career might have ended there (Acts 19:35).
Paul also mentions Mark and Barnabas. Mark, also known as John Mark (Acts 15:37) is thought to be the author of the Gospel of Mark. Some also say that Mark was Peter’s son or close relative. In another letter, Paul tells us that Mark is the cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10).
Barnabas, the third name in this verse, is not with Paul when the letter to Colossae is written. Most likely, he is mentioned because he is known to the church at Colossae.
There is another interesting side note here. Paul’s letter indicates that an earlier letter was sent, or at least a message was sent. Instructions about Mark have already been forwarded to the church in Colossae. We can only guess at what it might have said. At the very least, it gives the impression that Paul was busy and in fairly constant communication with the churches.
Life in Paul’s day was very much like life today, only without all the electronics, cars, and airplanes. In some ways, it would feel very familiar. In others, probably very primitive. Through it all, God provided for Paul and the people around him. What an exciting time it must have been!
Application: Each of us has a role in God’s kingdom.
Food for Thought: Why do you think people like Aristarchus gave up their day jobs to hang out with Paul?
Probably because they were called by God in this service. People who give everything up to follow Christ usually are motivated by a love for Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 5: 14 – 15). Christ then, becomes the priority. May that be true for us as well.
I have always liked the information given in Colossians 4: 10. To me, it is also interesting that John Mark is mentioned in connection with ministry to Paul. It shows there is already healing from the disagreement and rift of Acts 15: 36 – 41.
Thank you, Brother.
You speak of what you know. I appreciate you pointing out how human disagreements can be healed in Christ. Powerful stuff!
Why do you think people like Aristarchus gave up their day jobs to hang out with Paul?
Why do believers today, give up pursuits of worldly gains as they seek eternal gains in Jesus Christ.
As believers we increasingly come to know life in Christ is of far greater value than any earthly possessions or achievements, and that everything else is considered as loss compared to the the eternal blessings we receive as we experience true life in in Christ. We care for what God provides but our priority becomes seeking eternal gifts, growth in Christ over anything this world offers.
Philippians 3:7-8, But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Thanks, Ron!
Well said! When our value system shifts from material things to eternal things, everything changes.
Why do you think people like Aristarchus gave up their day jobs to hang out with Paul?
I can think of four good reasons:
To live life as God intended:
Matthew 16:25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
To walk in the light:
John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
For love for others:
John 13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
To serve Christ and become more Christ-like:
1 Peter 2:21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Thank you, Chris!
Those are indeed four good reasons! 🙂