In his letter to the Christians in the town of Colosse, Paul devoted nearly the entire fourth chapter to a roll call of believers. There is Tychicus from Asia Minor (v.7), and the runaway slave Onesimus, who became a Christian when he met Paul in prison (v.9). There are Jewish believers: Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus (vv.10-11). There are Gentile Christians: Epaphras, Dr. Luke, and Demas (vv.12-14). There is Nymphas (v.15), who provided a home in which the church could gather. These folks obviously meant a great deal to Paul and his ministry.

Most of these people were little known. Their names flowed for a moment in the tide of history and then ebbed away. They played a part in the cause of Christ and stepped aside, just as you and I will do.

But their names represent great variety. God dislikes monotony. Members of social clubs usually seek out people much like themselves, but God's church is diverse. He selects people from all nations, cultures, and social levels (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11) and makes them one in Christ.

Does your church reflect variety the way the early church did in Colosse? If not, what can you do to change that? God's church is to show unity in its diversity.  — Haddon W. Robinson