Colossians 4:15
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
Original Language Analysis
Ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
G782
Ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
1 of 13
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοὺς
the brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὺς
the brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
5 of 13
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατ'
which is in
G2596
κατ'
which is in
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
10 of 13
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
οἶκον
house
G3624
οἶκον
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
11 of 13
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
Roman houses of wealthy featured open courtyards or large dining rooms accommodating extended household and guests. Christians utilized these spaces for worship, teaching, and fellowship. House churches faced persecution risk—if authorities discovered illegal assembly, host faced property confiscation or worse. Nymphas's willingness to host church demonstrated commitment and courage, providing essential infrastructure for early Christian community.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your home serve the church—hospitality, Bible studies, fellowship, or merely private space?
- What risks or costs are you willing to bear for church community like early house church hosts?
- How can modern churches recapture intimate, family-like fellowship of house church model?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. Paul sends greetings to Laodicean Christians seven miles from Colossae. "The brethren which are in Laodicea" likely formed house church or multiple house churches. "Nymphas" is individual believer (name's gender is uncertain—could be male Nymphas or female Nympha depending on manuscript tradition). "The church which is in his house" (tēn kat' oikon autou ekklēsian, τὴν κατ' οἶκον αὐτοῦ ἐκκλησίαν) indicates congregation meeting in this person's home.
House churches characterized early Christianity—believers lacked dedicated buildings and met in members' homes, typically the wealthiest member large enough to accommodate congregation. This created intimate, family-like fellowship but limited size (perhaps 30-50 people maximum per house church). House church pattern continued for three centuries until Christianity gained legal status and constructed buildings.