June 30 - Colossians 4:16-18

June 30 - Colossians 4:16-18

“After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. Tell Archippus: See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.’ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.”

No one is certain about the letter from Laodicea. There has been speculation by scholars throughout the centuries regarding what was said in that letter, but many have accepted that it is what we know as the letter to the Ephesians.  In any case, Paul did intend that his letters be read in more than just the church they were sent to.  That helps us to understand the very universal truths of what it was he was saying.

Archippus … poor man.  He got called out in a very public way.  Imagine knowing that 2000 years after you have died, people will still be reading that you were about to disappoint someone as important as important as Paul and he was going to have the church tell you to get moving and complete the work you were called to do.  Yikes!  The worst thing is, there is no point that we ever discover whether or not he did what he had been called to do.  I guess the moral of that story is that when the Lord calls you to do something, you don’t mess around, you do it!!! 

Remember my chains.  Just a few words, but they speak volumes.  Paul was imprisoned for teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  What he could no longer do, he expected the churches that he had organized to do. 

Paul was a respected Roman citizen and more than likely was on house arrest.  People were able to come and go.  The prison officials probably didn’t provide much in the way of care for basic needs, so the friends and family of the prisoners were allowed to assist in their care.  With all of this activity surrounding Paul, he was kept in chains to keep him from escaping.

Not only did these keep him from escaping, they also kept him from being among his churches, teaching them how to grow in Jesus Christ and more importantly, bring new believers into the fold. 

Never forget why I am here – it’s not about me, it’s not about anything but Jesus Christ.  If I can’t … you must.

We must!