Colossians 4:12

"and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for God’s Kingdom who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me."

Key Reflection

In Colossians 4:12, Paul introduces Jesus Justus as one of his fellow workers in the kingdom of God and a Jewish convert (circumcision). This detail underscores the diversity among Paul’s associates, highlighting both their shared commitment to the gospel and the inclusion of Gentiles alongside circumcised Jews in the early Christian community. The original audience would have recognized Justus by this Roman name, which indicates his integration into the broader Roman context while maintaining his Jewish identity as a convert to Christianity.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 12. Epaphras. See Barnes "Col 1:7". Always labouring fervently for you in prayers. Marg., "or, striving." Gr., agonizing. The word denotes the intense desire which he had for their salvation; his fervent, earnest pleading for their welfare. That ye may stand perfect and complete. Marg., as in Greek, filled. The desire was, that they might maintain their Christian principles unadulterated by the nature of philosophy and error, and completely perform the will of God in every respect. This is the expression of a pious wish in regard to them, without any affirmation that any had been absolutely perfect, or that they would be perfect in this world.

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