Co-workers in Ministry

Colossians is a genuine letter of Paul. Like Ephesians, Philippians and Philemon, Colossians is considered a prison
epistle/letter.

Paul wrote this letter in Rome during his first imprisonment. Here he spend at least two years under house arrest
(Acts 28:16ff). Colossians is dated A.D 60, this is the same year he penned down Ephesians and Philemon. Colossae: Town and the church
Before Paul’s day, Colossae had been a leading city in Asia Minor (present day Turkey). Colossae was a market town
which neighbored Hierapolis and Laodicea. During Paul’s three year ministry in Ephesus, Epaphras had been converted and had carried the gospel to Colossae (Col.1:7-8, Acts 19:10). The young church that resulted then became the target of heretical attacks which led to Epaphras’s visit to Paul in Rome and ultimately to the penning of the Colossae letter. The Colossae heresy
The heretical attack was diverse in nature, some of the elements in its teachings were:
1. Ceremonialism: It held to strict rules about the kinds of permissible foods and drinks, religious festivals (Col. 2:16-17) and circumcision (Col. 2:11; 3:11).
2. Ascetism: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not eat!” (Col. 2:21-23).
3. Angel worship
4. Depreciation of Christ: This is implied in Paul’s emphasis on the supremacy of Christ (Col. 1:15-20, 2:2-3:9).
5. Secret knowledge: The Gnostics boasted in this. Paul emphasizes on Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom.
6. Reliance on human wisdom and tradition. Purpose and theses
Paul’s purpose of writing to Colossae is to refute the Colossae heresy and emphasize on the complete sufficiency of
Christ as contrasted with emptiness of mere philosophy.
Co-Workers in Ministry Paul encourages fellowship between the community of believers in Rome and those in Colossae and the surrounding cities. He does this by passing on news and greetings from those who are in Rome or who are passing through Rome, and by asking news and sending specific greetings to specific people who made significant contributions to his life, his ministry and that of the church.

The following are such people who Paul refer to them as Co-Workers in Ministry:
1. Tychicus: He was an associate of Paul who travelled as his representative (Col. 4:7, 2 Tim. 4:12, Tit. 3:12). He carried the letter of Colossians.
2. Onesmus: He is a faithful and dear brother.
3. Aristarchus: A Macedonian who is mentioned 3 times in Acts. He was with Paul during the Ephesus riot (Acts 19:29) and therefore was well known in Colossae. Both he and Tychicus (Acts 20:4) were with Paul in Greece. He accompanied Paul on his trip to Rome (Acts 27:2).
4. Mark is the author of the second gospel. Against Barnabas’s advice Paul refused to take Mark on his second missionary journey because Mark had deserted him in Pamphylia (Acts 15:38). But about 12 years later the difficulties seems to have been ironed out, because Paul both here and in Philemon 24 sends Mark’s greetings.
5. Luke: He wrote about Paul in the book of Acts, having often accompanied him on his travels. He was with
Paul in Rome during his imprisonment (Acts 28). Luke is a dear friend and a doctor, this implies that Luke was
a man of means who supported Paul’s ministry financially.
6. Demas was a Christian worker who later deserted Paul because of his love for the world (Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:10; Philm. 24).

The church in her house
For the most part, the early church had no buildings. It usually met for worship and instruction in homes. Here is a
church in Nymphas house who opened the door of her house to welcome missionaries. This reminds me of Demetrious in 3rd John 12, this brother is well and highly spoken about by everyone that elder John gives a testimony
about him. He was the opposite of Diotrephes who refused to welcome his brothers. Demetrius was a brother/and a
travelling preacher who was hospitable and his house was open for ministry.

In the early church worship had been centered around family, e.g. Pricilla and Aquila (Rom. 16:5, 1 Cor. 16:19,
Philemon 2 and Mary the mother of John Mark (Acts 12:12)
7. Archipus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received from the Lord”, this was express
instruction from Paul to a dear friend. Paul calls him “a fellow soldier” (Philemon 2)

Conclusion
Receive greetings from Rev. Enoch Mbayi; this brother has stuck with me during this difficult season. He is dear to me, a faithful brother and a co-worker.
Receive greetings from Rev. Henry Ambundo, a faithful elder and brother in Christ whose elderly and wise counsel
will not go unrewarded.
Patrick Alenga is a dear brother who has helped us so much with his camera and lights. He came at the right time
when we needed people to help us with videography skills. Patrick sends his greetings.
Brother Alex Amboga, a committed brother. He makes sure that daily video sermon clips are recorded. He is the
engine behind Facebook live sermons, he makes sure that sound and image is clear before transmitting. Brother Alex
send his greetings.
Receive greetings from elder Jackton Isiche, he checks on us every time by calling to make sure that we are well and
safe.
Brother Robert Oyando, Sister Caro Osundwa, Sister Alice Musumba, Brother Malach Akhalumi and Mr. &Mrs.
William Olwande nourished our souls. God bless you.
The Women Ministry through their leadership, Welfare and Compassion Committee tried their best to provide for
the less fortunate/ those in need. God will surely provide your needs.
Sisters Rose Webuye, Gladys Okango and the Alengas visited me when I was very low. Your words of encouragement
and prayers lifted me up. God bless you.

Mr. &Mrs. Rev. Isaya Otemba; thank you for your compliments and encouraging words. Receive our gratitude.
Last but not least are the ministers who have ministered to us spiritually throughout the week. God bless you.
Paul closes his letter to the Colossians by saying this words, “Remember my chains” (Col. 4:18); his goal is not to
warn them against ending up in the same position but to remind them that he is in need of their prayers. Prayers not
for deliverance but prayers for his ability to continue proclaiming the word of God.
Brothers and sisters, we need your prayers.