Colossians 4:10

What does Colossians 4:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 4:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 4:10 means

Paul sends greetings from Aristarchus, his fellow-prisoner, and from Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. He notes prior instructions about Mark: if he arrives, they are to receive him. This indicates reconciliation and renewed trust after past tensions in ministry. It models the gospel’s power to restore co-laborers. Aristarchus’s imprisonment alongside Paul highlights the cost of service and the solidarity among workers. Mentioning familial ties (Mark, cousin of Barnabas) locates these servants in real networks. The church grows through both spiritual and natural bonds, and restored partnerships become a testimony to Christ’s patience and the church’s unity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (touching whom ye received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him),

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (touching whom ye received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him),

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Aristarchus, my brother-prisoner, sends his love to you, and Mark, a relation of Barnabas (about whom you have been given orders: if he comes to you, be kind to him),

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Salute you doth Aristarchus, my fellow-captive, and Marcus, the nephew of Barnabas, (concerning whom ye did receive commands--if he may come unto you receive him,)

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, saluteth you: and Mark, the cousin german of Barnabas, touching whom you have received commandments. If he come unto you, receive him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Aristarchus my fellow-captive salutes you, and Mark, Barnabas's cousin, concerning whom ye have received orders, (if he come to you, receive him,)

Context

This begins a series of greetings that display Paul’s team in Rome. With Aristarchus and Mark, Paul highlights coworkers who have suffered with him and those whose relationships have been mended. Verse 11 will add Jesus called Justus, noting these are of the circumcision and have been a comfort. The sequence presents a small but faithful band of Jewish believers supporting Paul’s Gentile mission, illustrating the unity of the gospel across former divisions.

v.9together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things that are done here.

v.10This passage

v.11and Jesus that is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only are my fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God, men that have been a comfort unto me.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 16:7

    Salute Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also have been in Christ before me.

  • Acts 20:4

    And there accompanied him as far as Asia, Sopater of Beroea, the son of Pyrrhus; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

  • Acts 12:12

    And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together and were praying.

  • 2 John 1:8

    Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward.

  • 2 Timothy 4:11

    Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is useful to me for ministering.

  • 1 Peter 5:13

    She that is in Babylon, elect together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Mark my son.

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