What does Colossians 4:14 mean?

Two additional Gentile Christians are mentioned as Paul's companions and friends in this verse. First is "Luke the beloved physician." This is the same Luke who authored the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. At the time this letter was written, he is primarily known as a medical doctor and traveling companion of Paul. Luke is mentioned as a co-worker during many of Paul's travels recorded in Acts.

Second, Paul mentions a man named Demas. Both Luke and Demas are part of the Christian companions mentioned here, and in Philemon 1:24. However, unlike Luke, Demas would later desert Paul. Second Timothy 4:10 notes, "For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica." That sad report would be written during Paul's second imprisonment, which occurred just a few years after this letter to the Colossians was written.

These two men—Luke and Demas—provide a stark contrast between those who serve Christ and endure well till the end, and those who do not.