Fellow Workers Unto the Kingdom of God Colossians 4:11

As Paul the apostle continued to close his words to the church in Colosse, he mentioned several men who were helpful to him in the spreading of the gospel. We have learned of “Tychicus”, “Aristarchus”, and “Marcus” thus far, and in chapter four and verse eleven Paul added “Jesus, which is called Justus” to the list. We read:

And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are

my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

The verse begins, “And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision.” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is salvation” was called by another name, “Justus” which means “just or righteous”. This companion of Paul either had his Hebrew name “Jesus” and his Roman or Latin name “Justus” or is thought to have changed his name to give honor unto his Lord. It is interesting to note that Paul distinguishes “Justus” and the two men previously mentioned “Aristarchus” and “Marcus” as being those “who are of the circumcision” or namely “Jews”.

The verse continues, “These only are my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God,” Paul calls these men “These only are my fellow workers” or “companions in work” “unto the kingdom of God” or “royal power, kingship, dominion, and rule” of God. The idea is that these men were working alongside of Paul until the power and authority of God was to rule completely on the earth.

Finally the verse says, “which have been a comfort unto me.” Paul commended these men “which have been a comfort” which means “solace, relief, alleviation, and consolation” “to me”. There was nothing comparable to having those within the kingdom of God were working with Paul to share the gospel. No matter what the conditions, Paul had these men to bring relief to him.

In the last few verses, Paul employed the terms “fellow servants”, “fellow prisoners” and “fellow workers” to describe those with whom he ministered. “Justus” obviously was one of these for Paul, and as we think about him today, let us be reminded that the work of the gospel of Jesus Christ is large enough to have many involved. These are to be our “companions” and “fellow laborers” in the cause of Christ, and as the Lord reminds us of those who are in our lives who work along side, let us be thankful to the Lord for them and grateful for their comfort along our way.

Next time Paul shares about Epaphras who was with him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.