Luke and Demas Colossians 4:14

As Paul continued to complete his letter to the Colossians, he mentioned several men who were fellow laborers with him in the gospel. In chapter four and verse fourteen he added “Luke” and “Demas” to the list where we read:

Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

The verse begins, “Luke, the beloved physician,”. “Luke” or “Loukas” in Greek means “light-giving”. Luke was “a Gentile Christian and companion of Paul as he preached the gospel on his many missionary journeys; he was a physician and author of the book of Luke and Acts in the New Testament”. He was called “the beloved physician” or “esteemed, dear, favorite and worthy of love physician” by Paul, and his close relationship with Paul more than likely gave him information to write in the book of Acts as well as the gospel after his name.

The verse goes on to say, “and Demas, greet you.” “Demas” means “governor of the people”, and though he is mentioned, he later “deserted Paul when he was a prisoner at Rome and returned to Thessalonica” as we are told in the book of Second Timothy chapter four and verse ten. At this point in Paul's ministry both “Demas” and “Luke” “greet” or “to salute, bid welcome, and wish well to” the Colossian church.

As we think about these words of Paul, we may remember a few people who have helped us in our ventures in life. Certainly we have others who have been instrumental in aiding us along our ways, and as Paul the apostle we should be grateful for them. Another thought may come to mind as we ponder, “What was it like to have one of Paul's ministers leave him?” There was unified ministry between Paul and Demas at one time, and more than likely there was harmony in mind and spirit between them, however, Demas later left him. Perhaps we have had others who leave or “forsake” us as “Demas” did Paul, and we may have experienced what that is like. Whichever the case, may the Lord Jesus remind us to be grateful for those with whom we have to do, and mend our hearts when they leave our side.

Next time Paul shares about another church and a man named “Nymphas”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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