For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

People's New Testament

4:13 Them that are in Laodicea. The sister city near at hand across the valley of the Lycus.

And them in Hierapolis. Another city close at hand, in which a church had been planted. Probably Epaphras planted it also.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

13. a great zeal-The oldest manuscripts and Vulgate have "much labor."

for you-lest you should be seduced (Col 2:4); a motive why you should be anxious for yourselves.

them that are in Laodicea . Hierapolis-churches probably founded by Epaphras, as the Church in Colosse was. Laodicea, called from Laodice, queen of Antiochus II, on the river Lycus, was, according to the subscription to First Timothy, "the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana" (1Ti 6:21). All the three cities were destroyed by an earthquake in A.D. 62 [Tacitus, Annals, 14.27]. Hierapolis was six Roman miles north of Laodicea.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

4:10-18 Paul had differed with Barnabas, on the account of this Mark, yet he is not only reconciled, but recommends him to the churches; an example of a truly Christian and forgiving spirit. If men have been guilty of a fault, it must not always be remembered against them. We must forget as well as forgive. The apostle had comfort in the communion of saints and ministers. One is his fellow-servant, another his fellow-prisoner, and all his fellow-workers, working out their own salvation, and endeavouring to promote the salvation of others. The effectual, fervent prayer is the prevailing prayer, and availeth much. The smiles, flatteries, or frowns of the world, the spirit of error, or the working of self-love, leads many to a way of preaching and living which comes far short of fulfilling their ministry. But those who preach the same doctrine as Paul, and follow his example, may expect the Divine favour and blessing.