Brothers in Laodicea and Nymphas Colossians 4:15

When we take the time to read and study the last few verses of the letter to the Colossians, we find that Paul had many people who helped him in the ministry. He referred to them as “Fellow prisoners”, “Fellow Laborers” and “Fellow servants”, and in chapter four and verse fifteen Paul wrote about “Brothers in Laodicea, Nymphas, and the church which is in his house”. We read:

Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

The verse begins, “Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea,” Paul began with the word “Salute” which means “greet, bid welcome, wish well to and receive joyfully” “the brethren” or “fellow believers united to others by the bond of affection” “which are in Laodicea”. “Laodicea” means “"justice of the people" and was “a city of Phrygia, situated on the river Lycus not far from Colosse. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 66 A.D. and rebuilt by Marcus Aurelius. It was the seat of the Christian church.” If we use our imaginations we can almost see Paul thinking about this group of people as he completes this letter.

The verse continues, “and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.” Paul next mentions, “Nymphas” whose name means “bridegroom” and was “a wealthy and zealous Christian in Laodicea”. The Greek word “Nympha” is feminine, however the reference to “the church which is in his house” lets us know “Nymphas” was a male. The interesting aspect to “Nymphas” was the “church” or “an assembly or gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place” which was inside his home. The churches in those days were not necessarily held in church buildings, but were often held within the homes. Since “Nymphas” was known to be wealthy, he may have had the extra room in his home to hold meetings. Nonetheless, Paul felt “Nymphas” and those within the church in his home worthy to be greeted.

As we think about the “brethren in Laodicea”, “Nymphas” and “the church within his home”, perhaps we will wonder if we would have made Paul's list of greetings. Are we so active in the gospel of Jesus Christ that Paul would have desired that we be “saluted” or have there been opportunities to use our homes and resources to share the gospel that have been put to the side, neglected or even ignored? May the Holy Spirit direct our thoughts and intents toward being all we can be for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and may He give us the boldness and strength to be as those within these churches.

Next time Paul gives instructions to the Colossians concerning this letter, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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