Colossians 4:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,

NIV: I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.

NASB: For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts;

CSB: I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts.

NLT: I have sent him to you for this very purpose — to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.

KJV: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

NKJV: I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,

After describing Tychicus (Colossians 4:7), Paul explains why he was sending him: for encouragement and to deliver news. Paul seems to have felt these needs required more than just a written letter. Paul wanted the Colossian Christians to hear directly from a live person who had served alongside him. This is why Paul would have sent someone like Tychicus personally. In that day and time, communication was vastly slower than it is today. Rumors could easily spread without an easy way to know the real details of a matter. Sending Tychicus, along with a written letter, offered two points of evidence backing up the truth.

Along with Onesimus (Colossians 4:9), there would be two living witnesses and Paul's written letter to verify what was really happening. Also, as an eyewitness to Paul's ministry, Tychicus could personally encourage the Colossian believers. He was apparently gifted in this area, both assisting Paul and helping other believers in the faith.

Colossians 4:7–18 ends Paul's letter to the believers at Colossae in his typical fashion. Most of Paul's letters begin with an introduction, transition from ideas into applications, and then end with general news and greetings. Here, Paul specifically mentions the town of Laodicea, which was about 12 miles away from Colossae. He also refers to several fellow Christians, some of whom are mentioned in other letters as well, including Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Epaphras, and Luke.

The first verse of chapter 4 is actually the last thought from Paul's prior comments about bondservants and masters. After this, Paul gives the Christian perspective on conversation. The way believers speak has a large impact on the effectiveness of our message. Paul then ends his letter with news and messages between various Christian ministers. Among these are names which Paul mentions again in other letters, such as Tychicus, Epaphras, Archippus, and Onesimus.

Prior chapters in this letter established the supremacy of Christ, provided counters to false teaching, and gave instructions for Christian living. Chapter 4 completes these instructions with a general command regarding Christian conversation. Paul then ends the letter with news and comments related to various fellow Christian believers. This follows the general pattern for Paul's letters: introduction, theory, application, personal news and farewell.

The book of Colossians describes Christ as superior to all other teachers, faiths, and philosophies. In this letter, written from prison, Paul once again tackles false teachings. Among these errors are claims that Christians need to give up all physical enjoyments, that they should worship angels, and that they need to rely on the wisdom of an elite few. These problems are consistent with an ancient heresy known as Gnosticism. In response, Paul explains that Christ is supreme, and sufficient for our salvation.

Accessed 12/3/2024 1:51:37 PM