A Forgotten Command Hidden in a Farewell

In Colossians 4:11, Paul closes his letter with a brief mention of three men—“Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be a comfort to me.” In this understated sentence, the apostle identifies a powerful principle of Christian living: mutual strengthening and encouragement. The word “comfort” (Greek: parēgoria) here implies emotional relief, strengthening support, and active encouragement. These men, though scarcely mentioned elsewhere in Scripture, served a vital role—strengthening Paul during his imprisonment in Rome around 60–61 C.E.

This scene reminds us that strengthening one another is not a side ministry; it is central to the health and perseverance of the church. While Paul’s doctrinal depth and missionary zeal are often emphasized, his letters repeatedly show his dependence on the strengthening presence and faithfulness of fellow believers. Even the most seasoned apostle needed others.

In a world that often idolizes self-reliance, the biblical vision is one of interdependence. Christians are called not merely to stand firm individually but to strengthen one another with intentional care, scriptural encouragement, and faithful companionship. This article explores the biblical call to strengthen one another, how this is lived out practically, and why it is indispensable in the life of every believer.

Strengthening One Another: A Biblical Expectation

Strengthening others is not merely the work of apostles, elders, or especially gifted individuals. Scripture portrays it as the normal function of the Christian community. Hebrews 3:13 commands believers to “encourage one another every day, as long as it is still called ‘today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” The verb “encourage” (Greek: parakaleō) also carries the sense of urging, exhorting, and strengthening.

Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul writes, “Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing.” The phrase “build one another up” (Greek: oikodomeite) conveys the imagery of constructing or reinforcing a structure—a fitting metaphor for strengthening a fellow believer’s faith and resolve.

In Romans 15:1, Paul urges the strong to “bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.” This does not mean indulging others’ preferences but strengthening them where they are spiritually vulnerable. This assumes a community where believers know each other’s spiritual condition and are actively involved in helping one another grow in maturity and faithfulness.

This biblical pattern shows that strengthening one another is not just about offering comfort in hardship (though that is vital), but also about fortifying each other in sound doctrine (Titus 1:9), encouraging steadfastness under trial (2 Timothy 2:3), and stirring up love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).

Paul’s Need for Strengthening Companions

Colossians 4:11 provides a rare glimpse into Paul’s emotional state during imprisonment. Despite his bold preaching and theological rigor, Paul repeatedly acknowledged his need for comfort and support from fellow believers. Justus, Aristarchus, and Mark were not only his theological allies—they were his emotional and spiritual stabilizers during a season of trial.

This is not unique to Colossians. In 2 Timothy 1:16, Paul praises Onesiphorus: “He often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.” In Philippians 2:25, he calls Epaphroditus “my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need.” These men didn’t perform miracles or write Scripture. They strengthened the apostle through presence, loyalty, and sacrificial service.

Paul was not afraid to admit his dependence on others. He asked for prayer (Ephesians 6:18–20), longed for visits (2 Timothy 4:9), and gave thanks for those who lifted his spirit. The image of the apostle as a lone, stoic warrior is a distortion. He was a man in need of strengthening—just as every Christian is.

The Means by Which We Strengthen One Another

Believers strengthen one another in several essential ways—none of them spectacular, all of them scriptural.

First, we strengthen one another through Scripture. Romans 15:4 explains, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Speaking God’s Word into each other’s lives is not a duty reserved for pastors alone. Every believer should be equipped to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), using Scripture to build up, correct, and encourage.

Second, strengthening comes through presence. Paul did not commend Justus for eloquent sermons or extraordinary miracles but for being a comfort to him. Consistent, faithful presence—especially during hardship—is a powerful ministry. Many believers need not more information, but more presence. A strengthening friend is one who remains, listens, and perseveres.

Third, we strengthen one another through prayer. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “You also joining in helping us through your prayers” (2 Corinthians 1:11). Praying for one another—especially when shared and expressed—reminds both the speaker and the hearer that God is at work. Prayer is not passive; it is an active form of spiritual strengthening.

Fourth, strengthening occurs through exhortation and correction. While modern culture often avoids confrontation, biblical love includes correction. Hebrews 12:12–13 commands, “Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet.” Helping others walk uprightly involves pointing out where they are stumbling—not with harshness, but with humility and truth.

Strengthening Requires Knowledge of One Another

One cannot strengthen others from a distance. This ministry requires involvement, observation, and relational proximity. It means asking intentional questions, noticing signs of weariness or discouragement, and stepping in when others might withdraw.

This is why the early church did not just gather for teaching but also “day by day continuing with one mind… and breaking bread from house to house” (Acts 2:46). The New Testament church lived together in meaningful community, not superficial contact. Strengthening relationships are built over time through mutual investment, not convenience.

Modern churches must fight the temptation to reduce fellowship to scheduled meetings and public events. Real strengthening happens in the margins—over meals, through late-night phone calls, in times of shared grief or joy. The strengthening Paul experienced from Justus and others was likely not a single act but a pattern of consistent, quiet support.

The Urgency of Strengthening in These Times

Paul’s mention of Justus and others in Colossians 4:11 comes at a time of significant difficulty for the church. False teachers were infiltrating Colossae with Gnostic ideas, legalism, and mysticism. Believers needed to be grounded in truth and strengthened in faith. Paul’s letter itself was a means of strengthening them.

Today’s church faces equally pressing dangers: doctrinal drift, moral compromise, growing apostasy, and cultural hostility. Believers are tempted by sin, discouraged by trials, and wearied by isolation. Many are spiritually malnourished because no one is strengthening them with truth, prayer, and presence.

Hebrews 12:1–2 exhorts believers to run with endurance—but runners need refreshment. The race is hard, and the temptation to give up is real. The church must function as a strengthening station, not a performance stage. Every believer should be both giving and receiving strength regularly.

Every Believer’s Responsibility to Strengthen Others

The command to strengthen one another is not limited to leadership. It is the privilege and responsibility of every member of the body. 1 Peter 4:10 commands, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another.” Some encourage through teaching, others through acts of mercy, hospitality, giving, or service—but all are called to strengthen.

This requires intentionality. One must ask: Who around me is weak? Who is discouraged? Who is drifting or disconnected? To strengthen another requires looking beyond oneself—beyond personal comfort, beyond preferences, and beyond schedules.

Strengthening others does not always require dramatic action. A timely Scripture, a word of affirmation, a shared burden, a faithful prayer—these are God’s tools in the hands of His people. Every Christian is called to be a Justus to someone.

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