My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) (verse 10) - Paul is currently imprisoned, probably in Rome, and as he brings his letter to a close, he lists a number of people who are with him (Aristarchus, Jesus who is called Justus, Epaphras, Luke, Demas), and then sends greetings to the whole church (both in Colossae and Laodicea), specifically naming Nympha and...

(Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful …) Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. (verses 2, 12-13) - “Devote yourselves to prayer,” Paul says, using the very word that describes the passion of the early church in the immediate...

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (verse 2) - Prayer. It’s foundational in following Jesus. His teaching makes it clear. “Ask, seek, knock,” he says, inviting us to lay our requests before the Father who faithfully listens and lovingly responds. “You should always pray and not give up,” Jesus continues, stretching us to engage fully with time and faith. Indeed, his own life of prayer so captivated his disciples that they cried out, “Teach us to pray,” eager to enter...