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.

Final Instruction to Masters

1
Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. ​

Instructions on Prayer and Conduct

2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; ​
3
praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Messiah, for which I am also in bonds; ​
4
that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.
5
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. ​
6
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. ​

Paul's Messengers and Ministry Team

7
All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord. ​
8
I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
9
together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here. ​

Greetings from Paul's Companions

10
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, “if he comes to you, receive him”), ​
11
and Yeshua who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me. ​
12
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Messiah, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. ​
13
For I testify about him, that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.
14
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. ​

Final Greetings and Closing Commands

15
Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house. ​
16
When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the letter from Laodicea. ​
17
Tell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.” ​
18
The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand: remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. ​

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.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Options