Colossians 4:10
Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
Original Language Analysis
Ἀσπάζεται
saluteth
G782
Ἀσπάζεται
saluteth
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
1 of 21
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Βαρναβᾶ
to Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾶ
to Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
11 of 21
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
περὶ
(touching
G4012
περὶ
(touching
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
12 of 21
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
οὗ
whom
G3739
οὗ
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐλάβετε
ye received
G2983
ἐλάβετε
ye received
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
14 of 21
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
ἐντολάς
commandments
G1785
ἐντολάς
commandments
Strong's:
G1785
Word #:
15 of 21
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
16 of 21
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἔλθῃ
he come
G2064
ἔλθῃ
he come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
17 of 21
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
18 of 21
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Cross References
Acts 19:29And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.2 Timothy 4:11Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.Acts 20:4And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.Acts 12:12And 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 praying.Acts 27:2And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.Philemon 1:24Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
Historical Context
John Mark authored the second gospel. His restoration after early failure demonstrates grace's transforming power and mature leaders' willingness to forgive and restore failing workers. Paul and Barnabas's sharp separation over Mark (Acts 15:39) eventually healed, with Paul later calling Mark "profitable to me for the ministry" (2 Timothy 4:11). This models biblical conflict resolution and restoration of failed workers.
Questions for Reflection
- Who has failed in ministry or relationships that you need to forgive and restore like Paul restored Mark?
- How do you respond to others' past failures—permanent disqualification or gracious restoration opportunity?
- What role does reconciliation play in your Christian relationships and church community?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) Paul sends greetings from companions. Aristarchus, "my fellowprisoner" (ho synaichmalōtos mou, ὁ συναιχμάλωτός μου), shares Paul's imprisonment—whether literally imprisoned or metaphorically as prisoner of Christ's service (Romans 16:7). Aristarchus exemplifies sacrificial friendship, accompanying Paul through travels and trials (Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2).
Marcus (John Mark) receives special mention with relational identification: "sister's son to Barnabas" (Barnabas was Paul's former ministry partner). Mark had deserted Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 15:37-39), causing sharp contention between Paul and Barnabas. This greeting indicates reconciliation—Paul now commends Mark, showing restored relationship. The parenthetical instruction to receive Mark warmly suggests his coming visit required advance encouragement given past failures.