The Pulpit Commentary — Colossians — Section 225

who alone "of the circumcision" were the apostle's "fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God," and "a comfort unto him." Aristarchus and Mark were old friends and associates of St. Paul, attached to him by many ties, Jesus Justus, we arefoclined to think, was a Christian Jew of Rome, and in that case was, it appears, the only member of that community-a tolerably large one, as we should gather from the Epistle to tbe Romans-who heartily supported the apostle in this hour of his need and danger. Many of the Jewish brethren at Rome openly opposed him (Phil. i. 16); others regarded him with a cold and suspicious indifference. At a later period he bas sorrowfully to say of his friends at Rome, "All forsook me" (2 'l'im. iv. 16). But, whether Jesus Justus belr,ged to Rome or not, the fact that he was found at this time by St. Paul's side says a great deal for his courage, as well as for his largeness of heart and enlightened views. The three pillar-apostles at Jerusalem rather acquiesced in St. Paul's principles ann the policy he had pursued than actively supported them (Gal. ii.); and their professed followers in the Jewish Churches denounced them and set up a counter-agitation. If for no other reason, then, it was fitting that the name of this Jesus should be honourably recorded. To the apostle who had been in so many "perils from his own countrymen" and "from false brethren" (2 Cor. xi. 26), every "fellow-labourer of the circumcision" was an especial "comfort." His cognomen Justus attests his reputation amongst his compatriots for legal strictness and upright- ness; and this high character would make his attachment to St. Paul the more valuable. 6. Epaphras, the earnest ministel". (Vers. 12, 13.) With the name of Epapbras we are familiar already (see homiletics, sect. 1, II. 2). Though absent from his people, he is none the less concerned for their welfare. When he can do nothing less, he can pray for them all the more. We note: (1) The intensity of his ministerial solicitude; "always striving [ wrestling] for you in his prayers" (ver. 12); "he bath much [painfulj labour for you" (ver. 13). The critical state in which he had left his charge at Colossre, the insidious and ominous character of the errors introduced amongst them and with which he had found it so difficult to cope, were constantly weighing upon his mind, and kept him uncea~iogly active in earnest wrestlings of prayer for his people's souls. (2) The extent of his care. "For you, and for them in Laoilicea, and for them in Hierapolis." The neighbouring cities with their little Christian flocks, exposetl, or likely to be exposed, to the same perils that threatened Colossre, share bis solicitude. And the responsibility of the Christian minister cannot at any time be strictly confioed to his own immediate charge. Each member shares in the joys and griefs, the daogers and trials, which belong to the whole body of Christ. And Churches bordering on his own and connected with his people by ties of acquaintanceship aod frequent inter- course must especially attract his pastoral sympathies and intercession. (3) Tlie aim of his ministry. "'l'hat ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God" (ver. 13). This is the end of Christ's redemption and of his whole administration of the Church (eh. i. 22). This was the end of the apostle's labours (eh. i. 28, 29). Every true Christian minister will set the same mark before him, namely, the individual and collect.ive perfection of his people in all that goes to make up a complete Christian manhood (Eph. iv. 13). And, partly as resulting; from, partly as contributing to, their moral perfection, he must seek that their Christian convictions may be deepened and confirmed, may be more intelligently as well as more heartily and practically, and so in every way more surely, held (Eph. iv. 13-16). (See homiletics, sects. 1, III. 1; 3, I.; and 4, I. 2). 7. Luke, the beloved physician. (Ver. 14.) Of all the apostle's friends, none was dearer to him or more serviceable than St. Luke. He was with him to tho very last (2 Tim. iv.11). His writings, while they keep the writer's personality modestly out of sight, betray in him a man of a careful and diligent habit of mind, of con- siderable breadth of culture, and of a tender and sympathetic heart. 'l'he Acts of the Apostles show him to have been a warm and admiring, yet impartial, frimd of St. Paul. And his Gospel is penetrated with that Pauline universalism which both he and his master first found in Christ. The apostle probably owed not a little to Luke's medical care. And we are all indebted to this quiet and skilrul physieian, who im,\er- stood so well St. Paul's peculiar temperament and the value of his life to the Church, and whose intelligence and special training rn:i.de his companionship so pleasant an,l so useful to the apos1lc. 'l'he medical profession is that which stands nearest to the ministry of Christ in the honours of sclf-sacrill~e and devotion to humanity. There is  c22 THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS. [OH. IV, 1-18,