Colossians 4:11

And Iesus, which is called Iustus, who are of the circumcision. These onely are my fellow workers vnto the kingdome of God, which haue beene a comfort vnto me. Colossians 4:11 (KJV)

The closing section of Paul’s letter to the Colossians mentions a man named Jesus who is also called Justus. Both drafts agree that this Jesus is not the Messiah but a fellow worker whose name was common in the first‑century Roman world. By adding the qualifier “which is called Justus,” Paul makes a clear distinction between this individual and Jesus Christ, the Savior.

The phrase “who are of the circumcision” identifies these co‑workers as Jewish believers. Their background in Judaism meant they were familiar with the customs and practices of the covenant community, yet their faith in Christ had transformed them into participants in the new kingdom. This detail underscores the diversity of the early church, where believers from different cultural and religious backgrounds united in the gospel mission.

Paul describes these men as “my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God,” indicating that they were active partners in his ministry. The drafts note that they provided “comfort” and encouragement to Paul, sharing in the labor and challenges of spreading the gospel. Their presence offered practical assistance as well as emotional support, illustrating the collaborative nature of the apostolic effort.

One draft points out that the additional wording “These only are my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me” is not found in the authentic KJV text, which ends after “circumcision.” Nevertheless, the surrounding verses (Colossians 4:12‑14) reveal Paul’s gratitude for the encouragement he receives from his companions, confirming the spirit of partnership expressed in the passage.

Overall, the verse highlights the importance of teamwork in the early Christian mission. Jewish Christians like Justus worked alongside Gentile believers, sharing resources, encouragement, and prayer. Their joint effort exemplifies how the early church relied on mutual support to advance the kingdom of God, a principle that remains relevant for believers today as they seek to serve together in faith.