Colossians 4:7

Observe here, 1. That although St. Paul had now with him but. few friends at Rome to comfort him in his bonds, yet he spares two of them to visit and comfort these Colossians. See the public spirit of our apostle, who preferred the common good of the church at Colosse, before his own comfort at Rome.

Observe, 2. The persons whom St. Paul sent to them, Tychicus and Onesimus, whom he styles brethren, faithful brethren, beloved brethren: Nothing endears persons so much to one another, as religion and the grace of God. These ties are stronger than those of nature: No such love as likeness occasions, especially likeness to God.

Observe, 3. The design and end of St. Paul's sending these two persons to them, namely,

1. To make known unto them all things done at Rome:

Mark, All things, without exception, both his doings and sufferings, both in public and private, the apostle was ashamed of neither. Happy it is, when the conversation of Christ's ministers is such, both in public and private, that they need not be ashamed to have it known, or that the church may understand it.

2. That he might comfort their hearts: But how could Tychicus and Onesimus do this?

1. By making known to them the true cause of his sufferings, that it was for the gospel's sake.

2. To keep them from discouragement at the report of his sufferings, that they might not be offended at his chain, nor sink under the burden of immoderate sorrow upon his account.

3. To comfort their hearts with the report of that holy joy and cheerfulness which the apostle had in his own spirit, under the present burden of his sufferings. See the note on Ephesians 6:22.