Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas,(touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

COLOSSIANS 4:10KJV
Know the Bible

Colossians 4:10 (KJV)

What does Colossians 4:10 mean?

Colossians 4:10 means that Paul is sending greetings from Aristarchus, who is imprisoned with him, and from Mark (Marcus), who is Barnabas’s cousin. Paul reminds the Colossian believers that they have already received instructions about Mark, and he tells them to welcome Mark if he visits them.

Paul is writing this letter from prison to the Christians in Colossae. He mentions Aristarchus as a fellow prisoner, showing that Aristarchus is sharing in Paul’s hardships. Mark is identified as Barnabas’s cousin, and Paul refers to earlier directions about Mark, likely to reassure the church about accepting him. This verse highlights the close relationships and practical concerns among early Christian leaders.

The Greek behind Colossians 4:10

  • The word "fellowprisoner" (συναιχμάλωτος, synaichmalōtos) means someone who is imprisoned together with another. Paul uses this to show that Aristarchus is not just a companion, but is also suffering alongside him.
  • The word "receive" (δέχομαι, dechomai) means to welcome or accept. Paul’s instruction to "receive him" (Mark) carries the sense of hospitality and acceptance, which may have been important if there were doubts about Mark’s role or past actions.

Why Colossians 4:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Mark, despite past disagreements with Paul (mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament), is now someone Paul trusts and recommends to the Colossians.
  • The mention of Aristarchus as a fellow prisoner emphasizes the cost and solidarity involved in Paul’s ministry, reminding readers that the gospel was advanced through real sacrifice.
  • By naming specific people and giving practical instructions, Paul shows the personal and relational nature of early Christian leadership, grounding spiritual teaching in real-life relationships.

Where else these words appear

“fellowprisoner” Greek G4869 · used in 3 verses

  • Romans 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
  • Philemon 1:23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

“Aristarchus” Greek G708 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 19:29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
  • Acts 20:4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
  • Acts 27:2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

“Marcus” Greek G3138 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 12:12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
  • Acts 15:37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
  • 2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

“Barnabastouching” Greek G921 · used in 28 verses

  • Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas,(which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
  • Acts 13:43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
  • Acts 15:25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,