Colossians 4:15 – “Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Paul sends greetings to the believers in Laodicea and specifically mentions Nympha, a woman who hosted a church in her home. This small detail gives us insight into how the early church functioned and highlights the role of faithful individuals who made ministry possible.
- “The brothers and sisters at Laodicea“ – Paul acknowledges the church in the neighboring city of Laodicea, showing that he cared about multiple congregations, not just the one in Colossae. He often reminded believers that they were part of a larger family of faith.
- “And to Nympha“ – Nympha is recognized as a faithful believer who was hospitable and committed to the church. Whether she was a wealthy woman who owned a large home or simply a generous host, her willingness to open her home for worship made her an important part of the Christian community.
- “And the church in her house” – In the first century, there were no church buildings. Instead, believers met in homes, which were places of worship, teaching, prayer, and fellowship. Nympha’s home became a center for Christian life in her area.
This verse is a reminder that the church is not a building, but the people. In the early days of Christianity, the faith spread through small gatherings of believers meeting in homes, and committed individuals like Nympha played a crucial role.
Historical Context
At the time Paul wrote this letter (A.D. 60-62), Christianity was still a new movement. Unlike today, there were no church buildings, so believers met in private homes. House churches were common across the Roman world because:
- Public worship could attract persecution – Christianity was not an accepted religion in the Roman Empire, so meeting in homes provided a safe place for worship and discipleship.
- Believers needed close fellowship – The early church focused on deep community and personal relationships, which a house setting encouraged.
- Wealthy believers often opened their homes for gatherings – People like Lydia (Acts 16:15, 40) and Priscilla and Aquila (Romans 16:3-5) also hosted churches in their homes.
Paul’s greeting to Nympha shows that women played significant roles in the early church. While men were often the main teachers and elders, many women supported the church through hospitality, leadership, and service.
Theological Implications
- The church is not a building-it is the people of God. This verse reminds us that the church is not about a location but about the gathering of believers who worship, learn, and grow together.
- God calls ordinary people to support His work. Nympha was not an apostle or preacher, but she used what she had-her home-to serve the church. This shows that every believer has something to offer in God’s kingdom.
- Hospitality is a ministry. Opening one’s home for worship, Bible study, or fellowship is a powerful way to serve God. Even today, many churches and ministries depend on the generosity of believers who provide spaces for people to gather.
- The church is meant to be a community. In contrast to large, impersonal religious gatherings, early churches met in homes, where believers could truly know and care for one another. Christian faith is not just about attending services-it is about relationships and shared life.
Literary Analysis
Paul’s wording in this verse emphasizes:
- “Give my greetings” – This personal greeting shows Paul’s genuine care for churches beyond Colossae. He was a missionary, not just for one church, but for many.
- “The brothers and sisters at Laodicea“ – Paul often used family language (brothers and sisters) to emphasize the unity of the church.
- “Nympha and the church in her house” – This highlights the importance of house churches and the role of individual believers in making church life possible.
Some manuscripts refer to Nympha as a man (Nymphas), but most scholars agree that she was a woman who faithfully supported the church.
Biblical Cross-References
- Romans 16:3-5 – “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus… Greet also the church that meets at their house.” (Another example of a house church.)
- Acts 2:46 – “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” (The early church met in homes.)
- Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” (Christian community is essential.)
- Acts 16:15, 40 – “When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home.” (Lydia’s home became a gathering place for believers.)
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
- Church is about people, not buildings. Whether meeting in a house, a school, or a church building, the real church is the gathering of believers.
- God calls people to serve in different ways. Not everyone is a preacher or missionary, but every believer has something to offer-whether it’s their home, resources, time, or encouragement.
- Hospitality is an important ministry. Opening one’s home for Bible study, prayer groups, or fellowship is a practical and powerful way to serve God.
- Stay connected to the larger body of Christ. Paul sent greetings to multiple churches, showing that no church is independent-we are all part of one global family of faith.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He builds His church through ordinary people. He does not just use apostles or pastors-He works through men and women, rich and poor, known and unknown, to spread the gospel.
This verse also shows that God values relationships and community. He does not call His people to isolation but to fellowship. Through house churches, shared meals, and personal connections, God’s love is experienced in deep and meaningful ways.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
- Jesus taught and lived in homes.
- Luke 10:38-42 – Jesus visited Mary and Martha’s home, showing the importance of personal fellowship.
- Matthew 26:6 – Jesus was often hosted in private homes, where He taught, healed, and fellowshipped.
- Jesus emphasized the importance of gathering in His name.
- Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Jesus promised His presence in small gatherings.)
- Jesus calls all believers to be part of His family.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge your view of what “church” really is?
- In what ways can you use your home or personal space for God’s purposes?
- Why do you think hospitality was so important in the early church? How can it be important today?
- Do you make an effort to connect with and support Christians outside your local church? How can you grow in that?
- How can you help build deeper relationships within your church community?
This verse reminds us that the church is a family, not just an institution. Whether in a home, a church building, or anywhere believers gather, the real church is the people who worship and serve together in the name of Christ. Like Nympha, every believer has the opportunity to support and strengthen the body of Christ in practical ways.