Rev. Emmanuel Koney COLOSSIONS 52 Paul’s companions and visitors on his trips and while in captivity in Rome prove to have an interesting number among them. In his salutation to the Colossian church he includes a greeting from one named Aristarchus, (meaning; best ruler) who was of Greek extraction and joined him on his third missionary journey. Paul called him his fellow prisoner. Actually, he was a voluntary prisoner who would ministry to Paul when he was incarcerated in jail. Col. 4:10 Marcus, a cousin to Barnabas and whose mother’s name was Mary was also one of Paul’s companions. He shared the family home with his Mother which was also used as a church. It was at this home that when Peter was released Rhoda answered the door but was so excited she ran to tell the others who were having a prayer meeting, that Peter was at the door but she forgot to open the door and let him in. Acts 12:8-17 Jesus Justus, termed “a fellow worker” and one who had been a comfort to Paul. He was also a Jew one who had been converted to Christ from the Law. Col. 4:12 Then there was Luke, whom Paul called the beloved physician. Col. 4:14 If Paul accepted his profession and thought so highly of him, Luke had to be a legitimate physician of some reputation. Most definitely not a magician or necromancer as the term is so used in the Old Testament to describe such individuals. He was a faithful friend and companion staying with Paul when others had left him, for what ever purpose. 2 Tim. 1:15 Only Luke is with me. 2 Tim. 4:11 Demas, (meaning, popular) So once again we see that the meaning of a name turns out to be the prophetic circumstances of the life of an individual. Paul made mention of Him in Colossians but later had to report that Demas had left him, “having loved this present world.” It could mean but one thing and that was that the popularity of this world so captivated him that he left Paul and consequently, Christ. 2 Tim. 4:10 Paul then urged them to share his letters to them for his message was to the whole of the church, even reaching down to the church of today. He concluded by letting them know that he cared enough to have personally written the letter to them and to remember him in prayer. Col. 4:18
Posted on: Sat, 14 Sep 2013 14:00:20 +0000