Colossians 4:11 "And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me."

There were still men who bore the human name of the Lord (Matthew 1:21 ), either in the form of Joshua or Jesus. Our Lord is distinguished as Jesus Christ, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9- 11 ).

The surname Justus - "just" or "righteous" implied devotion to the Lord. At this time only three of the circumcision were actually engaged in Paul's team of men, namely Aristarcus, Mark and Justus. They not only supported Paul personally in his hour of need and danger, they were loyal to his teaching and accepted all who believed as one in Christ (Galatians 3:26-29 ).

Many of the Jewish brethren in Rome openly opposed Paul (Philippians 1:16 ). Justus was one of those open to him, and was among these few who brought him soothing relief. Fellow workers for the kingdom of God marked these as loyal, open-minded to all of the saints of all nations.

It is sad to find leaders with minds and hearts closed to other groups. To shun any who crown Jesus as Saviour and Lord is serious indeed. It is failure to discern the Lord's body (1 Corinthians 11:29 ).

Colossians 4:12 "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."

(Colossians 4:12 ). He was pioneer pastor in this church.

And was at this time a companion to Paul in prison. Do we have an Epaphras spirit of practical compassion for God's suffering servants?

As a minister of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 4:2 ). It is required that we give a lifetime of faithful service (Revelation 2:10 ).

Prayer was an integral part of his leadership. He engaged in intercession "for you" - persistently, "always" - intensely, "labouring fervently" - intelligently, "for their completeness in all God's will." His was Spirit-taught praying (Romans 8:26 ).

To Laodicea - to Hierapolis (Colossians 4:13 ). It drove him to evangelism and the impassioned follow-up of persistent prayer. In this he highlights the hallmark of Christian leadership.

Colossians 4:14 "Luke, the beloved physician, ..."

Like one who sticks "closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24 KJV). His closest of companionships is evident from the time of Paul's second missionary journey - clearly indicated in the "we" references in (Acts 16:10-17; 20:5; 22:18; 27:1; 28:16 ). Luke was no fair weather friend, enjoying being with Paul in his times of success. He endured with Paul in his adversities - sufferings and imprisonments. He stood by Paul during his arrest at Jerusalem. Luke was with Paul in his imprisonment in Caesarea (Acts 23:23 ). Luke made the journey with Paul the prisoner, to Rome. He endured with Paul all the hazards and discomforts of that journey, including the shipwreck.

Through his first imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:16; Colossians 4:14 ). During Paul's second imprisonment, many left him, afraid of the danger that identification with him might bring. Facing death, Paul the aged testified to the stickability of his loyal friend. "Only Luke is with me." (2 Timothy 4:11 KJV).

There was something special about Paul in his attracting such a friendship as that of the devoted Luke. It tells us much about his unthreatened, loveable leadership. Weak leadership distances itself from genuine, close friendships.

The characteristics of a friend that is closer than a brother are revealed in Paul's friend Luke, his beloved physician (Colossians 4:14 ). He was humble, faithful, serving, affectionate, courageous, trustworthy, available. This high standard of friendship should mark leadership today.

Colossians 4:14 "... and Demas, greet you."

He was a worker in Paul's team during Paul's first imprisonment. This did not immune him from fault. In contrast with Luke in the final hour, Demas did not remain true.

2 Timothy 4:10 "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; ..."

The cause of his disaffection and disloyalty was traceable to his love of this present world, that would include its luxuries, along with its insistence on self-preservation and self-first. Tragically there are amongst leaders today, those of the Demas persuasion.

Colossians 4:15 "Greet the brethren..."

Paul expressed loving concern for all the brethren - those beyond Colosse, at Laodicea. He greets also Nymphas and the Church meeting in "her" home (Colossians 4:15 NIV). Possibly this assembly was in Hierapolis.

What Paul said to one church he wanted other churches to learn from, so encouraged an interchange of epistles (Colossians 4:16 ). They became part of the inspired Scriptures by which we are instructed today. They certainly demonstrate Paul's loyalty to God's people.

Archippus may have been Philemon's son. Being called a "fellow soldier" by Paul in Philemon 2 indicates him being in leadership. Paul is faithful in warning him to pay attention to his ministry (Colossians 4:17 ). Like him, we are responsible to fulfil what the Lord has given to us. That will include defending the truth of the good news entrusted to us.

It also demonstrates his personal stand for the truth it contains.

For the truth of the gospel he reminds the Colossians he is in bonds - his loyalty to Christ is unshaken, and he would have all who read his letter stand unshaken with him. Grace can be drawn upon today so that we can be loyal to Christ in our whole lifestyle and doctrine. This can only be so by being Christ centred.

Colossians 4:18 "... Grace be with you. Amen. "

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. How important is it to you to have the loyal intercession of your leader? (Colossians 4:12-13 ).
2. Do you attract good and lasting friendships of quality like that of Luke's? (Colossians 4:14 ).
3. Why did Demas not remain true? Why do some leaders prove disloyal today? (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:10 ).
4. In which way are you challenged by the example of Paul's leadership? (Colossians 4:15-18 ). What are the features of a Christ centred leadership?