Colossians 4:7-18 Closing Comments

Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me....with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),...This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen. [Colossians 4:7-18 NKJV]

Paul closes his letter by introducing Tychicus, who was tasked with updating the Colossians on Paul's condition. While he mentions several people, I would like to zoom in on just a couple.

Slavery was common in the Roman empire. It is estimated that roughly a third of the population throughout the empire were slaves, and more than half within Rome itself were slaves. Onesimus was a slave from Colossae who had stolen from his master and run away. As many runaway slaves of the time did, he made his way to Rome, where it would be easier to be lost in the dense population.

Somehow, while in Rome, he encountered Paul. Hearing the gospel, Onesimus was saved. Since Onesimus had previously stolen, and run away, it was decided by him and Paul that he would return home to Philemon in Colossae, and make things right. In Paul's letter to Philemon, he makes the case that, since Philemon is now a fellow Christian, he is more useful than before. He pleads with Philemon to forgive his debt, and take him back.

The other person I would like to take note of is Mark the cousin of Barnabas (He is also called John, or John Mark). We first encounter Mark in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 14, when he fled naked into the night while Jesus was being arrested. According Acts 12:12, it was at Mark's mother's house that the disciples used to meet in Jerusalem.

Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey...for awhile. He abandoned them in Pamphylia, and returned to Jerusalem. The next time we see Mark is in Acts 15:36-39. Paul is determined to start his second missionary journey. Barnabas wants to take along his cousin, Mark, but Paul is opposed to it, since he had left them previously. The contention between Paul and Barnabas concerning Mark became so great that they split up and went their own ways.

Now, in his letter to the Colossians, Paul mentions Mark again. This time, Mark is a fellow laborer, who is in Rome helping Paul. Paul mentions that he may send Mark to them at a later date. Clearly, they have reconciled, and Paul has given him a second chance. This is the same Mark who wrote the gospel.

Both of these examples illustrate the grace that we should show to one another. If someone fails you, give him a second chance. Mark was seen initially as weak, but later proved himself.

In life, people may fail you. They may walk away, they may even cheat you. But who knows what good may come if you give them a second chance, just as God has given you a second chance.

Father, I thank You for your grace. Thank You for giving me a second chance. I determine to extend to others the same grace that You extended to me.