John Chrysostom

"The salutation of me, Paul, with mine own hand." This is a proof of their sincerity and affection; that they both looked at his handwriting, and that with emotion. "Remember my bonds." Wonderful! How great the consolation! For this is enough to cheer them on to all things, and make them bear themselves more nobly in their trials; but he made them not only the braver, but also the more nearly interested. "Grace be with you. Amen." "Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen." He hath released their terror. …

Homily on Colossians 12 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Remember me, who am in bonds and condemned. And the very best consolation for them is to remember Paul the prisoner in every affliction. When grace is present in you, whether you have afflictions or endure bonds, nothing of the sort will overcome you, since even being bound is a matter of grace. For Luke says: they returned from the prison, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Christ (cf. Acts 5:41). Do you see that to be dishonored means to be counted worthy? And indeed, this is a great dignity. …

Commentary on Colossians ↗

Ignatius of Antioch

Philo and Agathopus the deacons salute you. I salute the company of virgins, and the order of widows; of whom may I have joy! I salute the people of the Lord, from the least unto the greatest. I have sent you this letter through Euphanius the reader, a man honoured of God, and very faithful, happening to meet with him at Rhegium, just as he was going on board ship. Remember my bonds that I may be made perfect in Christ. …

Epistle of Pseudo-Ignatius to the Philippians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. It was the Apostle's practice to have someone else write the entire letter, and at the end of it he would write something in his own hand, as in 2 Thessalonians (3:17): "I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand." He does the same here, so that they will not be deceived. …

Commentary on Colossians ↗