Here the apostle shows his love for them, since he indeed sent him for the purpose of learning about their affairs, and not for the purpose of informing them about his own; besides that, also for the purpose of comforting them. He also points out that they are in trials and are in need of consolation.
Col. 4:9. with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.
Onesimus is the slave of Philemon. What honor and what respect he attained, so that he is called a brother of Paul. And Paul is not ashamed to call himself a brother of a slave. Further, in praise of their city he adds: "who is from you," so that they too would consider it an honor for themselves that they produced such a man.
Col. 4:9. They will tell you about everything here.
That is, about my bonds and about everything else keeping me here. If it were not for this, I would have come to you myself.
Col. 4:10. Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you,
This is the Aristarchus who was led away together with him from Jerusalem. Paul said more than the prophets, because they called themselves strangers and sojourners, while he calls himself even a prisoner. For indeed, just as a prisoner, he was driven and dragged about, even worse; because captors care for their prisoners as their own property, but him, as an enemy and foe, everyone drove and persecuted. And for them (that is, his listeners) this was meant to serve as consolation, for their teacher too finds himself in similar circumstances.
Col. 4:10. and Mark, the nephew of Barnabas,
And he praises Mark for his kinship, since Barnabas was a great man.
Col. 4:10. (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, receive him),
Most likely, regarding Barnabas they received instructions to receive him with honor. But it is possible to place a period after the words "you received instructions," and then begin reading: "if he comes to you," Colossians, receive him with honor.
Col. 4:11. also Jesus, who is called Justus,
Perhaps this was a Corinthian.
Col. 4:11. both from the circumcised. They are the only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God,
Having expressed fitting approval for each one individually, the apostle now offers a common praise; for at that time it seemed a great thing to be from among the Jews. But, lest the listeners lose heart, since he reminded them of captivity, he finally encourages them, saying: "fellow workers for the Kingdom of God." Thus, having become partakers of captivity, they will also be partakers of the Kingdom. Saint John, however, understood this passage as Paul reproaching the Jews, saying: "both from the circumcision, they alone," that is, those who are of the circumcision are few, while the greater part of the faithful are from the Gentiles.
Col. 4:11. "who have been a comfort to me."
The Apostle shows that he is in great trials, and that those great men were such, since they served as a consolation to Paul. And notice how the one who comforts a prisoner is declared together with him a partaker in the Kingdom. Therefore, people persecuted for Christ must be cherished in every way.
Col. 4:12. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Jesus Christ, greets you,
As at the beginning of the epistle, so also now he commends him, so that, as one who loves them, they would love him in return, and would willingly listen to him when he teaches anything. And that the teacher is a man worthy of respect is beneficial also for the students, since they will more readily believe his words. It is also great praise for Epaphras that he is a servant of Christ. So then, he is your glory, especially since he came forth from your midst.
Col. 4:12. "always striving for you in prayers,"
Not simply did he say: praying for you, but with anxiety and trembling, – not on just one particular day, but always.
Col. 4:12. that you may remain perfect
He gently rebukes them for their imperfection. For they are still not firm and waver in the teaching about angels. For it is possible to be both perfect and not standing firm, just as if someone were to learn everything but not be firmly established in anything. Therefore he says: "that you may stand perfect," meaning, in teaching and life.
Col. 4:12. and filled with everything that is pleasing to God.
That is, so that you would fulfill no other will except the will of God: for this means to be complete and perfect. By this he also shows that they partly still preserve some things from what was preached, and partly have already lost some things.