Verse 10 mentions Aristarchus, one of Paul’s companions during his travels (Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2) who was also a prisoner. As strange as it might seem, this must have been an encouragement to Paul, to know that someone else was willing to serve the Lord despite the personal consequences. Being in the same situation, they could empathize with one another, encourage each other, and hold each other accountable.
Next mentioned is Marcus, better known as John Mark, Barnabus’ nephew and Paul’s companion for part of his first journey. Because he had deserted him on his first journey, Paul was unwilling to take Marcus with him on his second journey (see Acts 15:36-41), but now he was acknowledging that Marcus was beneficial to the ministry. Paul delivered instructions to the Colossians concerning a possible visit from Marcus; they were to welcome him with open arms. Furthermore, in Philemon 24, Paul calls him “my fellow servant” and in 2 Timothy 4:11, Marcus is described as “profitable to me.” Paul could have easily written Marcus off forever after he abandoned them early on in the f ...
