Bible Strands
Colossians 4:11
Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Colossian church from confinement, transmitting greetings from his traveling coworkers. This note arrives amid a list of associates, marking a specific moment of pastoral encouragement to a predominantly Gentile congregation.
The words — Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) = Jesus and Ἰοῦστος (Ioustos) = Justus identify the same worker, showing a Jewish figure adopting a Hellenized name. οἱ ὄντες ἐκ (hoi ontēs ek) = those being among specifies their distinct ethnic origin within the group.
The thread — This explicit marker of Jewish identity runs alongside the early church's documentation of circumcised believers receiving the Spirit and salvation (Acts 10:45; Acts 11:2; Romans 4:12). The text tracks how Jewish and Gentile workers operated together without erasing ethnic distinction.
Why it lands — The text states that these Jewish coworkers were a comfort to Paul, noting they are the only Jews among his fellow laborers for the kingdom. It requires the reader to acknowledge that ethnic boundaries were maintained even as gospel ministry united diverse workers.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Acts 11:2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers took issue with him
- Acts 10:45 All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.
- Romans 4:12 And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
- 2 Corinthians 6:1 As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.
- 2 Corinthians 7:6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus,
- Colossians 4:7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2 We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
- Titus 1:10 For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision,
- Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker,
- Philemon 1:24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.