Daily Lesson for Monday 23rd of March 2026

In a world connected by the internet, social media, and countless devices, it is difficult to imagine the challenge that Paul faced in helping churches feel they were a part of something bigger than their own local congregations.

Image © Lifeway Collection at Goodsalt.com

With these greetings, Paul creates and fosters connectivity among fellow believers. We learn here that Mark was Barnabas’s cousin. Paul thus paves the way for Mark’s probable visit to Colossae. Aristarchus is described literally as a “fellow prisoner-of-war”; that is, he was imprisoned with Paul. They were both soldiers with “the armour of God” (Ephesians 6:10-11), fighting to set Satan’s captives free for service in the kingdom of God (see 2 Timothy 2:1-4). Jesus/Justus (Jewish and Roman names that sound very similar in Greek, like Saul/Paul) is also commended to them as a trustworthy fellow laborer in the gospel.

Paul makes a point of mentioning that Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus are Jewish believers (“of the circumcision”). He then goes on to mention three Gentiles: Epaphras, Luke, and Demas (Colossians 4:12-14). It is significant that, despite some tensions in the church between Jews and Gentiles, these coworkers are able to labor effectively together, unitedly and harmoniously. By saying “only,” though, Paul seems to imply a certain disappointment that more Jewish Christians have not stood by him in his sufferings. Nevertheless, it is significant that by this time, John Mark, who had some years before deserted Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13), proves not only loyal but a “comfort” to Paul (Acts 15:36-40).

Threats to unity are nothing new. In recent years, the Adventist Church has undergone profound changes as it has spread globally, and forces have hammered away at its unity. This stress on unity can be felt at every level of the church.

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26a-13-church-connectivity/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26a-13-church-connectivity

Daily Lesson for Sunday 22nd of March 2026

We learn much from Paul about spreading the gospel. His travels covered an estimated 13,400 miles. This is astonishing, since much of it was on foot and some of the time he was also in prison.

Paul spent considerable time in centers of trade, such as Corinth and Ephesus, from which the message could then spread to inland towns. He also returned to churches that he had raised up in order to strengthen and encourage the new believers there. When he couldn’t visit the churches personally, he sent letters. This way, the believers knew that he remembered them and cared about them.

Image © Jim Howard at Goodsalt.com

Some things are best communicated orally rather than in writing. It would be interesting to know what news the two men conveyed to the Colossians. Judging from Paul’s intent that these things would “comfort” (NKJV) and “encourage” them (Colossians 4:7-9, ESV), it probably included details about Paul’s circumstances in prison. In any event, such communication was also important as a means of maintaining the personal ties that bind believers together.

Tychicus, whose name means “fortunate,” was clearly a trusted emissary. Described as a “faithful minister” and “fellow servant,” he was one of two men from Asia selected by Paul (Acts 20:4) to accompany him on his journey with the collection for needy believers in Jerusalem. He was also with Paul during his second imprisonment in Rome, whence he was sent to Ephesus to strengthen the work there (2 Timothy 4:12). Paul also thought about sending him to Titus, in Crete (Titus 3:12). Accompanying him was Onesimus, whom Paul had converted in Rome (see Lesson 1) and describes as “faithful.”

It seems Paul also wanted to know about the circumstances of the believers in Colossae. It would not be difficult to send word back to him by someone, if not by Tychicus himself. This was another way Paul conveyed his love and concern for the believers there, even though he had not visited the church personally, and how he strengthened them in the faith so they could reach others.

<–Sabbath Monday–>

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26a-13-lessons-on-outreach/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26a-13-lessons-on-outreach