Colossians 4:11
And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
2 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λεγόμενος
is called
G3004
λεγόμενος
is called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
περιτομῆς
the circumcision
G4061
περιτομῆς
the circumcision
Strong's:
G4061
Word #:
9 of 21
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
οὗτοι
These
G3778
οὗτοι
These
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
10 of 21
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
17 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
οἵτινες
which
G3748
οἵτινες
which
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
18 of 21
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
Cross References
Acts 11:2And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,Acts 10:45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.Colossians 4:7All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:Romans 4:12And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.2 Corinthians 6:1We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.Titus 1:10For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:Philemon 1:1Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,Ephesians 2:11Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;1 Thessalonians 3:2And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:1 Thessalonians 3:7Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
Historical Context
Paul's ministry to Gentiles created tension with Jewish Christians prioritizing Jewish mission or requiring Gentile conformity to Jewish customs. That "these only" of Jewish believers supported Paul suggests widespread Jewish Christian opposition or indifference to his imprisonment. These three men's faithfulness during Paul's isolation demonstrates costly loyalty and shared commitment to Gentile inclusion gospel.
Questions for Reflection
- Who remains faithful when others abandon you, and do you treasure such friendship?
- How do you respond when your theological convictions create tension with fellow believers?
- What makes someone a 'comfort' during difficulty—presence, encouragement, shared labor, prayer?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. Paul mentions Jesus Justus, otherwise unknown. "Which is called Justus" distinguishes him from Jesus Christ; Justus (Latin "righteous") was likely Roman name supplementing Hebrew name. "Who are of the circumcision" identifies these three (Aristarchus, Mark, Justus) as Jewish believers—"these only" indicates they alone among Jewish Christians actively supported Paul's imprisoned ministry.
"My fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God" (synergoi eis tēn basileian tou theou, συνεργοὶ εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ) describes shared labor for God's kingdom. "Which have been a comfort unto me" (hoitines egenēthēsan moi parēgoria, οἵτινες ἐγενήθησάν μοι παρηγορία) reveals these men's encouragement during Paul's imprisonment. Many Jewish Christians apparently abandoned or opposed Paul; these three remained faithful, providing crucial emotional and ministerial support.