Colossians 4:11 – Three Jews

Picture of three Jewish men in Paul's day, sitting at a table, talking.

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.

Summary: Paul’s comment about being comforted by his Jewish companions leads us to consider “Why?” 

No matter what you might think of Paul, the objective facts of his life tell a story. Paul is a man of deep passion. In the first half of his life as a Pharisee, Paul is so passionate about eradicating believers from the face of the earth that he chases them all over the Middle East. 

How many Pharisees bothered to do that? Did any Sadducees mount expeditions to pursue early Christians?

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Colossians 4:10 – Paul’s Time

Aristarchus and Paul in prison.

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?

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