Saturday, September 26, 2009
Greetings
(Colossians 4:7-18)
While Paul’s letters contain weighty doctrinal themes, they never fail to demonstrate intimately personal concern for his immediate readers. In short, Paul sends greetings along with doctrinal admonition.
The fact that Paul combines personal salutations with eternal issues should not be viewed as incongruous. In fact, we should learn from Paul’s example that the weightiest of doctrinal matters should touch us where we live. The heartfelt greetings of Paul, references to his co-laborers, and exhortation to read the entire epistle (16) indicate Paul’s desire to maintain the “personal touch.”
Doctrine well lived never lacks personal warmth and concern. In addition to being related to each other through Christ, believers should maintain the holy bonds of friendship and intimate fellowship. No man is an island, and every man needs the fellowship of fellow believers—whether he recognizes it or not!
As you read the list of Paul’s friends in ministry, notice his dependence upon each in unique ways: Onesimus, renowned for his faithfulness; Aristarchus, Paul’s encouragement when in prison; Marcus (John Mark), restored co-laborer; Justus, a fellow worker with eternal perspective. All of these, Paul states, were a “comfort” to him (11). No doubt about it: Paul was deeply concerned about doctrine. But Paul was not cursed with a “one track mind.” Paul loved pure doctrine, the Lord Jesus, and God’s people, too!
