“Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.”
And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea — Paul directs circulation: his letter should be read publicly (ekklēsia, assembly). The 'letter from Laodicea' (epistolē ek Laodikeias) is Paul's letter to the neighboring church, to be exchanged with Colossae. Letter-circulation built early Christian communication networks.
Church Fathers on Colossians 4:14
“Luke, the beloved physician, salutes you.” This is the Evangelist. It is not to lower this man that he places him after, but to raise the other, viz. Epaphroditus. It is probable that there were others called by this name. “And Demas,” he says. After saying, “Luke, the physician, salutes you,” he added, “the beloved.” And no small praise is this, but even great exceedingly, to be beloved of Paul.
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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