Colossians4

Paul begins by instructing masters to treat servants justly, remembering their heavenly Master. He then urges continuous, watchful prayer, specifically requesting prayers for his gospel ministry while in bonds. Believers are exhorted to walk in wisdom towards outsiders and speak with grace. The chapter concludes with personal greetings from Paul's companions, instructions regarding messengers and other churches, and a final admonition to Archippus.
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Final Instruction to Masters

1
Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven. ​

Instructions on Prayer and Conduct

2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, ​
3
as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. ​
4
Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.
5
Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. ​
6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. ​

Paul's Messengers and Ministry Team

7
Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. ​
8
I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.
9
With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here. ​

Greetings from Paul's Companions

10
My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him. ​
11
Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. ​
12
Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God. ​
13
For I testify about him that he goes to great pains for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings. ​

Final Greetings and Closing Commands

15
Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house. ​
16
After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. ​
17
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” ​
18
This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. ​

Study Notes for Colossians 4

Verse 1

This verse concludes the 'Household Code' (3:18-4:1), reminding masters that their authority is limited by their own accountability to Christ, their 'Master in heaven.' Justice and fairness are required in all human relationships.

Verse 2

Paul shifts focus to general spiritual discipline, emphasizing persistence ('continue') and alertness ('watch') in prayer, which must always be framed by gratitude and thanksgiving.

Verse 3

Paul requests prayer specifically for his ministry—a 'door of utterance' refers to an opportunity to preach the gospel effectively, particularly while he is imprisoned.

Verse 5

To 'walk in wisdom toward them that are without' (unbelievers) requires prudence and integrity. 'Redeeming the time' means utilizing every opportunity wisely for evangelism and godly influence.

Verse 6

Speech should be 'with grace' (kind and beneficial) and 'seasoned with salt.' Salt implies purity, preservation, and flavor—making conversation wise, compelling, and appropriate for the audience.

Verse 7

Tychicus was the trusted courier for this letter and likely the Epistle to the Ephesians. His role was not just delivery but providing a full oral report of Paul’s status and comfort to the church.

Verse 9

Onesimus is the runaway slave central to the Epistle to Philemon. Paul sends him back to Colossae (his home city) as a 'faithful and beloved brother,' demonstrating the transforming power of the gospel on social hierarchies.

Verse 10

Aristarchus, a Macedonian, traveled with Paul (Acts 19:29). His designation as 'fellowprisoner' indicates he was imprisoned alongside Paul, perhaps voluntarily, during the writing of this letter.

Verse 11

These three (Aristarchus, Marcus, and Jesus Justus) were Jewish Christians ('of the circumcision'). Paul emphasizes that they were his only Jewish co-workers who remained a comfort to him in prison, suggesting others may have abandoned him.

Verse 12

Epaphras was likely the founder of the church in Colossae (1:7). His fervent, continuous prayer for the Colossians sought their spiritual maturity, that they might 'stand perfect and complete' in obedience to God's will.

Verse 14

Luke, the author of the Gospel and Acts, is identified by his profession. Demas, mentioned here positively, later abandoned Paul during a time of persecution, illustrating the mixed loyalties within the early church (2 Tim 4:10).

Verse 15

Nymphas (or possibly Nympha, a female leader) hosted a house church, highlighting that early Christian worship often occurred in private homes due to a lack of dedicated buildings.

Verse 16

This command confirms the early practice of circulating apostolic letters as authoritative scripture. The 'epistle from Laodicea' is generally considered a lost letter or possibly the Epistle to the Ephesians, which may have circulated widely.

Verse 17

Archippus is also addressed in Philemon 2. This public instruction suggests he held a specific, perhaps challenging, ministry role in the Colossian or nearby Laodicean church that required encouragement or correction to fulfill his calling.

Verse 18

The signature ('by the hand of me Paul') authenticates the letter, as Paul often used an amanuensis (secretary) for the main body. The final request, 'Remember my bonds,' elicits sympathy and emphasizes the urgency of the message written from prison.

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