Col 4:8-9 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 8. That he might know your estate ] Instead of ιναγνωτα περιυμων, that HE may know YOUR affairs , ABD*FG, many others, with the AEthiopic, Itala, Theodoret , and Damascenus , read ιναγνωτεταπεριημων, that YE may know OUR affairs; which is probably the true reading. Tychicus was sent to them, not to know their affairs, but with Onesimus, to carry this epistle and make the apostle's state known to them, and comfort their hearts by the good news which he brought. The next verse confirms this meaning.

‏ Colossians 4:8-9

Verse 8. That he might know your estate] Instead of ιναγνωτα περιυμων, that HE may know YOUR affairs, ABD*FG, many others, with the AEthiopic, Itala, Theodoret, and Damascenus, read ιναγνωτεταπεριημων, that YE may know OUR affairs; which is probably the true reading. Tychicus was sent to them, not to know their affairs, but with Onesimus, to carry this epistle and make the apostle's state known to them, and comfort their hearts by the good news which he brought. The next verse confirms this meaning.

Verse 9. With Onesimus-who is one of you.] Onesimus was a native of some part of Phrygia, if not of Colosse itself; and being lately converted to the Christian faith by the instrumentality of the apostle, he would be able, on this account, to give them satisfactory information concerning the apostle's state, which would be doubly acceptable to them as he was their countryman. See the Epistle to Philemon.

All things which are done here.] FG, the Vulgate, Itala, Jerome, and Bede, add here πραττομενα, what is done, which we have supplied in Italics in our translation. These brethren could give an account of the transactions at Rome, relative to the apostle and Christianity, which it might not be prudent for him to commit to writing. See Clarke on Col 4:7. The reign of Nero was not only cruel, but suspicious, jealous, and dangerous.