The Organic Life and Mission of the Church
“7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
10 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.) 11 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. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.”
In today’s passage, Paul concludes his letter to the Colossian church by mentioning the names of several believers and sending his greetings. It is uncertain whether Paul personally founded the Colossian church, but he deeply loved and cared for this community. Through this letter, Paul introduces fellow workers who are devoted to the church, emphasizing that the church is not merely a gathering but an organic community where the Holy Spirit is at work.
Paul’s epistles reveal that the church is not just a collection of individual believers but a communal body connected to the mission of spreading the gospel. He records the names of those who labored for the gospel, highlighting their contributions. Faithful coworkers such as Mark, Onesimus, Tychicus, Epaphras, and Luke each played a vital role in building up the church.
Through the church, we learn love, worship together, and train ourselves to live in Christlikeness. Moreover, the church is where believers collectively fulfill the mission of evangelism and service. God desires us to actively commit ourselves to the church’s growth, respond in faith, and mature spiritually. As we serve one another with hearts devoted to God and lift up Jesus Christ in worship, the Lord will work powerfully among us and bless His church.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for making us Your children, for giving us a spiritual family in the church, and for entrusting us with the role of building up the body of Christ. May our faith deepen, our dedication grow, and our mission to spread the gospel be strengthened through the church. Help us to experience love in action and spiritual maturity within the church community. As we go through seasons of change, grant us the heart to rededicate ourselves to Your work, to faithfully fulfill our roles in the church, and to serve with a willing spirit. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)