Albert Barnes Commentary Colossians 4:14

"Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas salute you." — Colossians 4:14 (ASV)

Luke, the beloved physician. This was undoubtedly the author of the Gospel which bears his name and of the Acts of the Apostles. He is mentioned as the traveling companion of Paul in Acts 16:10 and appears to have accompanied him afterward until his imprisonment at Rome. (See 2 Timothy 4:11).

From verse 11 of this chapter (Colossians 4:11), it is evident that he was not a Jew by birth but was probably a proselyte. He is supposed to have been a native of Cyrene and to have died in Achaia soon after the martyrdom of Paul, at the advanced age of eighty-four.

See Robinson's Calmet, article Luke. He is mentioned here as a physician; and in his Gospel and in the Acts, there are incidental evidences that he was acquainted with the science of medicine and that he observed the events he recorded with the eye of one who practiced the healing art.

It is easy to imagine that the presence of a physician might have been of important service to the apostle Paul in his travels and that Luke's acquaintance with the art of healing may have aided not a little in the furtherance of the gospel.

The miraculous power of healing, possessed by the Savior and his apostles, contributed much to the success of their preaching. The power to alleviate bodily pain and restore health by miracles would not only be evidence of the divine origin of their mission—a credential that they were sent from God—but would also dispose those who had received such important benefits to listen attentively to the message of salvation.

One of the best qualifications for missionaries in modern times, to gain access to the heathen, is an acquaintance with the healing art.

And Demas. Demas is mentioned in two other places: Philemon 1:24 and 2 Timothy 4:10. He is spoken of here with commendation as one in whom the apostle had confidence. Afterward, when troubles thickened, he did not prove steadfast against the trials that threatened him in Rome, and he forsook the apostle and went to Thessalonica. He did this under the influence of the love of this present world (2 Timothy 4:10), or of life, evidently unwilling to lay down his life for the cause for which Paul suffered. (See Barnes on 2 Timothy 4:10).

His departure, and that of the others on whom Paul relied in Rome, was one of the severest trials Paul was called to endure there. (See Barnes on 2 Timothy 4:16).