Legacy

Colossians 4:7-18

As Paul closes his letter to the church at Colossae, he lists a number of encouragements, instructions, and endorsements of fellow believers.  It makes me wonder: would someone write like this about me?

I have personally received encouragement from people I know: for the work I do, for the way I do it, and for the way I have treated people.  Yet, this isn’t necessarily what I want to be known for.  A few years ago, when studying Perspectives, I was reminded that our chief end is to glorify God.  It makes me wonder: is that what I will be known for?  Depending upon who you ask that know me, the answer will probably be different.  Being a career missionary, people might assume the answer is “yes,” but do I really? 

The majority of the men mentioned in this section are repeated in other letters and accounts in the New Testament. You can do a bible search on them to find other references or use your own study bible to see when they are mentioned elsewhere, but what I think is important for us to ponder today is what Paul reveals by mentioning them.

Tychicus was the message bearer.  He delivered the letter to Colossae.

Onesimus was originally from Colossae and accompanied Tychicus, so they could give a report back to the church there.

Aristarchus was imprisoned alongside Paul.

Mark, who wrote the Gospel according to Mark, had a falling out with Paul in Acts 15:36-40, but apparently had worked things out with him.

Justus, whose original name was Jesus but also known as Barsabbas, isn’t mentioned anymore in the scriptures, although we believe he was the candidate who was not named an apostle to replace Judas (Acts 1:23).

Epaphras, also from Colossae, stayed with Paul and Aristarchus to care for them during their imprisonment.

Luke, who wrote Luke and Acts, we know, followed Paul and documented what happened.

Demas later is noted by Paul to have defected from the movement (2 Timothy 4:10)

Archippus was already in Colossae, whom Paul deemed necessary to encourage.  Maybe he was a leader of some sort, or someone Paul was close to.

What I love about going through this list is that everyone had a job, a position, a purpose in the spread of the Gospel and participation within the global church.  In these few sentences, we see a glimpse into the lives of these men who were involved.  They didn’t idly stand by, hoping to reach the status of Paul or other leaders.  They were leaders in their own right, because they followed Jesus.  I learned in the Marine Corps that a good leader is a good follower.  They all played their part.  Not knowing them personally, I cannot attest to their proficiency or zeal, but I can say that their names are now recorded as having participated in the movement of sharing Christ with others.  Even Demas, whom we learn later walked away, played a crucial role in the spread of the Gospel.  He was there and helped, even for a short while.

So, what role do you play?  Are you a messenger, comforter, reconciler, steadfast follower, caretaker, encourager, teacher, record keeper, leader…or something else?  What legacy for the Kingdom are you leaving behind?  What would Paul mention about you in this letter?