And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

COLOSSIANS 4:11KJV
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Colossians 4:11 (KJV)

What does Colossians 4:11 mean?

Colossians 4:11 mentions a man named Jesus, also called Justus, who is one of the few Jewish believers (“of the circumcision”) working alongside Paul for God’s kingdom. Paul says that only these few Jewish coworkers have been a real comfort and support to him in his ministry.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Colossae, listing people who are with him and have helped him. By highlighting that Justus and the others “of the circumcision” are his only fellow workers among Jewish believers, Paul is showing both the rarity and value of their partnership. This verse gives a glimpse into the challenges Paul faced and the encouragement he received from a small group of faithful coworkers.

The Greek behind Colossians 4:11

  • “συνεργοί” (synergoi, “fellowworkers”): This word means coworkers or partners working together toward a common goal. Paul is emphasizing that these men are not just companions but active partners in spreading the message about God’s kingdom.
  • “περιτομῆς” (peritomēs, “circumcision”): This term refers to Jewish identity. Paul is pointing out that these coworkers are Jewish Christians, which was significant because not all Jewish believers supported Paul’s mission to the Gentiles.
  • “παρηγορία” (parēgoria, “comfort”): This word means encouragement or consolation. Paul is expressing that these men have been a real source of emotional and spiritual support to him, which highlights the personal cost and loneliness he sometimes experienced.

Why Colossians 4:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul did not have widespread support among Jewish Christians, making the loyalty of Justus and the others especially meaningful.
  • By naming his coworkers, Paul shows gratitude and gives credit to those who stood by him, reminding readers that ministry often involves teamwork and mutual encouragement.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing the diversity of Paul’s companions (Jewish and Gentile) and the importance of unity in the early Christian movement.

Where else these words appear

“Justus” Greek G2459 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 1:23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
  • Acts 18:7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.

“fellowworkers” Greek G4904 · used in 13 verses

  • Romans 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
  • 2 Corinthians 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

“circumcision” Greek G4061 · used in 32 verses

  • John 7:22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision;(not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
  • Romans 3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
  • Galatians 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

“only” Greek G3441 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?