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 4:10KJVWhat 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.