The Pulpit Commentary — Colossians — Section 231

iv. 11): "Only Luke is with me." He was doubly beloved, both as physician and evangelist, for the weak heii,lth of the apostle, both in prison and out of it, needed his professional care. ., III. DEMAS, 1. He was probably a Thessalonian. (2 Tim. iv. 10.) Twice ao-ain 0 his name occ1.1rs in company with that of Luke (Philem. 24; 2 Tim. iv. 10). 2. There is here a bare mention of his name, without a word of commendation. Perhaps the apostle had an insight into his real character. His name occurs significantly last of all among t1:Je six who greet the Colossians. 3. He deserts the apostle in the near prospect of liis 'end. "Demas bath forsaken me, having loved this present world" (2 Tim, iv. 10). Yet, at present, he keeps his standing among the companions of the apostle and receives a due recognition.-T. C. Vers. 15-17.-Salutations and parling counsels to friends. "Salute the brethren that are in Laodicea, and Nympl;ias, and the Church that is in their house." I. THE SALUTATION. 1. To the brethren of Laodicea, who are called also" the Church in Laodicea.", The apostle had a deep interest in them, because they were exposed to the same spiritual dangers as. the Colossians. They dwelt in a rich, commercial city, and seem to ,have degen\)rated spiritually many years afterwards (Rev. iii. 14-16), 2. To Nymphas and the Ohurch in their house. This was an eminent Christian of Laodicea, probably a rjch man, and certainly full of zeal for the cause of God, for his house was the meeting~place of a Church. He was evidently a centre of religious life in this important locality. IT. HIS COUNSEL TO THE CoLO.SSIANS. " And when this Epistle hath been read among you, cause that it be read also in the Church of the Laodiceans; and that ye also read that from Laodicea." 1. 'l;'he nearness of these Churches to each other, as well as their exposure to the risks of the same heretical teaching, explains this counsel. The letter from Laodicea was probably the Epistle to the Ephesians, which was of an ency- clical character, and was now carried by Tychicus to the Churches of Proconsular Asia. 2. It is the privilege as well as the duty of private Christians to read the Scriptures. (John v. 39.) 3. This is a plain proof that the Scriptures are to be read publicly in the Ohurch. (Acts xiiL 15.) • Ill. HIS INDIVIDUAL COUNSEL 'l'O ABCHIPPUS. "And say to .A.rchippus, Take hee,1 to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it." 1. The position of .Archippus. He was a member of the household of Philemon, and probably his son (Philem. 2). He held some office in the Church, for he is called •• a fellow- soldier" of the apostle. If he was a minister at Laodicea, as some suppose, the counsel addressed to him throws a significant light upon the condemnation of the Laodicean, many years afterwards for their lukewarmness. If, however, he was :i. minister at Colossre, as is more natural, th,e apostle's counsel recognizes the right of the Colossia,1 Christians to exercise discipline or reproof. in the case of their teachers. 2. The admonition to .Archippus. He was to fulfil his ministry. (1) It was a ministry received l>y him. (a) He was not self-appointed. (b) He received it, not only fro1,1 the Lord, but in the Lord, whose grace prepared him for it and kept him in it. There- fore his responsibility was all the more serious. (2) It was a ministry lo be fulfilled. He was "to make full proof of bis ministry" like Timothy (2 Tim. iv. 5). He was to "stir up the gift of God" (2 Tim. ii. 6). He was to hold on till the end, shaking off lethargy and listlessness, showing the people the whole counsel of God, refuting all sorts of sins and errors, and being" instant in season, out ot' season" (2 Tim. iv. ~) in all labours for Christ. (3) There was need for the apostle's warning counsel. "'l'ake heed." This individual warning would not have been sent in an Epistle designed for the whole Church if there had not been some failure of effort or duty on the part of Arcbippus. There is always need for ministers to "take heed to their ministry," considering (a) the dignity of their office; (b) the value of immortal souls; (c) the risks to which the flock are exposed from errors, sin, and worldliness; (d) the account that is to be given to God.-1'. C. Ver. 18.-.Autograph salutation. "The salutation of me, Paul, with mine own han,1. Remr.mber my boµds. Grace be with you." . J. Tm: AUTOG!lil'H WAS TO ATTEST TllE AUTHEl':'l'ICITY OF THE EPISTLE,  228 'l'HE EPISTLE TO '!'HE COLOSSIANS. [OH, IV. 1-18.