Colossians 4:12-13 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers… 1. If you think of Christianity as a great thought, a transcendental doctrine, a grand conception, you are right; and if you think the preacher is called upon to speak the language of earth in she accent of heaven and expound celestial mysteries, you are right. But this is not all. A man who would describe the present scene as all firmament would be wrong; but a man who omitted the firmament from a landscape would be a fool. It is the sky in a landscape painting that often first attracts attention. There could be no landscape were there no sky. So with this great Christian truth: it is firmamental, but it is the sky out of which our landscape comes — the immeasurable, out of which our units and definite lines are given to us. Christianity is not only the highest metaphysic, it is the most absolute practical teaching and sympathy. 2. What have these personal salutations to do in the Bible? When the apostle began this great letter, he seemed to strike a grand key, and to call the universe to hear. He speaks of One who is the "image of the invisible God," etc. That is grand music. Let that organ roll out its rythmic thunders, and while they charm us make us solemn; but here at the end he begins to talk about Aristarchus, etc. Is he out of tune at last? Does the anthem die off into a mean piping, or is there still sweet music in it, encompassing, not shaking, the high heavens, but making the household glad, filling every room of it with sacred glee. 3. The more Christianity is understood the more will manhood go up in value. Christianity takes us all in charge — women, poor people, the sick. It goes to the merchant and says: "I have seen to-day many poor, sick ones, who want kindly treatment and practical sympathy, and you must give it". Any religion that talks so about men and to men is presumptively a true religion. Christianity has a message from every-man to every other man. I. "Epaphras, WHO IS ONE OF YOU." 1. Being a native of Colossae he carries it in his heart to Rome. The idea of the Church is domestic. We do not realize that. Our idea of it is approximation without identity, proximity without sympathy, a hebdomadal meeting and a week-long parting, a cold " how do? " without answer being waited for. The poor, simple soul thought you meant it, and was just about to ten you how be did when you jumped into your chariot and drove off. Christ's idea was that of a house, and Paul that of a family — "in whom the whole family," etc. See how these Christians love one another. They have a great respect for one another, a marvellous respect, an official respect; but the old apostolic unity and downright warm love — where is it? And echo answers where? 2. "One of you," though not at home. We think that going from home deprives a man of his proper belongings in the Church. A young man leaves us and goes to New Zealand. Is he no longer one of us? The poor lad's heart ached when the "good-bye" was forced out of him; but now that he is fifteen thousand miles away we say, "He once belonged to us." We want a warmer language and a more affectionate fellowship in God. How large a Church would be if we interpreted its membership in this way, that a man who is in a far-off city is still one of us, and still claims us, wonders what hymns we are singing, and what the text is. We are in danger of degrading the church into a meeting-house, a place of casual association, and of cutting off all those fine living bonds which ought to be independent of time and place, which make Rome Colossae and Colossae Rome, every land a home, and every Christian a brother. II. A SERVANT OF CHRIST. 1. Are you fond of titles? This is the one the King will give you. It is select, and yet might be universal. Let the noblest envy you. Other titles are sounds, sometimes sounds and fury, signifying nothing. But this signifies to be the slave of Him "who though He was rich," etc. 2. What are the signs by which a servant of Christ is known? Those who are skilled in such things can go through a picture gallery and say, "This picture is after So-and-so." There is a manner that can be but feebly imitated by the most skilful hands. So you cannot mistake a man who has been with Christ. In the early days there were those who took knowledge of disciples that they had been with Jesus. You have been in a garden of spices; I know it; you bring the fragrance with you. You have seen some solemn sight; I know it; vulgarity is ironed out of your face, and it is transfigured. You have heard strange music, and all the meaner elements have been taken out of you. You have been with Christ, and I know it by the tenderness and simplicity of your speech, by the diligence of your service, by the lavishness of your liberality. III. "SALUTETH YOU." That would not do now. I get letters from Christian friends that I would not send to a day labourer whom I had never seen in my life before. They are too correct to be true, too proper to be good. IV. "ALWAYS LABOURING FERVENTLY FOR YOU IN PRAYER." 1. I do not know that Epaphras was an eloquent preacher, but he was mighty in intercession. He threw his arms around his native Church, and toiled in prayer for them till his brow was bedewed as with agony, and his whole face lighted up with saintly expectation that he might see the descending blessing. That I can do for my friends. I may not be able to write elaborate letters, but I can pray for them. That you can do for me. 2. What did Epaphras pray for? "That ye may stand perfect — like a ship in full gale." Let that be my posture; no harsh, bitter wind striking me in the face, and making my sea-faring difficult, but a great favouring gale, bearing me onward, all sail set, towards the will of God. (J. Parker, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. |
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