Colossians 4:15

Colossians 4:15

Colossians 4:15 invites the church to salute the brethren in Laodicea and Nymphas, and the church in his house. This verse highlights early Christian house churches—a common pattern in which Christians met in homes for worship, teaching, and prayer. Laodicea, near Colossae, and Nymphas, possibly a host, illustrate a network of churches in a region where Paul’s letters circulated with encouragement to maintain unity and mutual encouragement. The act of saluting shows social warmth, esteem, and recognition across congregations, reinforcing the idea that small, local gatherings contribute to a larger ecclesial body. The mention of the church that meets in Nymphas’s house emphasizes hospitality as a concrete, everyday form of ministry. These greetings are practical reminders of fellowship, mutual encouragement, and shared mission—especially important in a time when believers faced social marginalization, persecution, or doctrinal confusion.

This verse foregrounds ecclesiology—the doctrine of the church—as a community of interconnected households. It shows that multiplication of small communities is a legitimate and valuable expression of Christian faith, guided by hospitality and mutual care. The greetings function as social glue, reinforcing unity in Christ across geographic lines. The emphasis on a church meeting in a house also subtly points to the Spirit’s work in ordinary spaces, a counter-cultural invitation to believers to host and nurture faith communities in everyday settings.

Today, consider how your home or local space can be a hub for community and spiritual growth. Could you host a small group, Bible study, or prayer gathering in your living room? Reach out to nearby congregations and exchange greetings, encouragements, and resources to foster inter-church solidarity. If you’re in a leadership role, promote hospitality as a core value, not just an occasional event. Recognize the power of welcome in creating a safe space for questions, growth, and belonging. Simple actions—sharing a meal, opening your home for study, or inviting a neighbor into your faith community—can build bridges across churches and neighborhoods. The verse invites practical, tangible expressions of unity that ripple outward, strengthening the broader body of Christ.

Cross-References: Romans 16:3-5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Philemon 1:2; Acts 16:15; 1 Peter 4:9