1. The messengers (7-9)

Tychicus and Onesimus would deliver Paul's letter. Tychicus had been Paul's representative on several occasions (Eph 6:21). Onesimus had been a useless runaway slave, but through Paul he had met Jesus in Rome, and now he was returning to Philemon in Colosse as a dear brother (Phm 16).

2. Fellow workers (10-18)

Aristarchus had been with Paul in difficult times (Ac 19:29; 20:4; 27:2), and now he was with him in prison. Mark, who had run away and was helped by Barnabas and Peter, had come back and grown into a useful servant of God (Ac 15:36-39). Epaphras, the pioneer of the church in Colosse, was continuing to wrestle in prayer for his sheep in Colosse and in nearby cities. Luke the historian and evangelist was Paul's personal physician; Demas later ran away (2Ti 4:10). Paul's letter writing ministry should encourage us to write letters.

Application: Lord, help me to be a faithful co-worker in the gospel.
One Word: Write a letter