Colossians 4:16

And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the [epistle] from Laodicea.

And {G2532} when {G3752} this epistle {G1992} is read {G314} among {G3844} you {G5213}, cause {G4160} that {G2443} it be read {G314} also {G2532} in {G1722} the church {G1577} of the Laodiceans {G2994}; and {G2532} that {G2443} ye {G5210}{G314} likewise {G2532} read {G314} the epistle from {G1537} Laodicea {G2993}.

After this letter has been read to you, have it read also in the congregation of the Laodiceans; and you, in turn, are to read the letter that will come from Laodicea.

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.

And when this epistle hath been read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye also read the epistle from Laodicea.

Commentary

Colossians 4:16 is a fascinating verse that provides a glimpse into the communication practices of the early Christian church and the circulation of apostolic writings.

Context

This verse concludes Paul's letter to the believers in Colossae, following his final greetings and personal remarks. It reveals Paul's meticulous care for the various churches in the region, particularly those in the Lycus Valley. Paul, writing from prison (likely Rome), issues a directive for the Colossians to share his letter with the neighboring church in Laodicea, and in turn, to read an epistle that would come from Laodicea. This instruction underscores the interconnectedness of these early Christian communities and the importance of circulating authoritative apostolic teaching.

Key Themes

  • Inter-Church Communication: The verse highlights the vital network of communication among early Christian congregations. Letters from apostles like Paul were not intended for a single audience but were considered scripture to be shared and studied broadly.
  • Shared Scripture: Paul's command emphasizes the communal value of God's Word. Reading and sharing these inspired writings ensured that sound doctrine and practical instruction reached as many believers as possible, fostering unity in faith and practice. This aligns with the principle that all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine.
  • Apostolic Authority: The prompt obedience expected in circulating these letters points to the recognized authority of Paul and the other apostles as God's messengers. Their writings served as foundational teaching for the burgeoning church.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "epistle" is epistolฤ“ (แผฯ€ฮนฯƒฯ„ฮฟฮปฮฎ), which simply means a letter or message. The intriguing part of this verse is the mention of "the epistle from Laodicea." Scholars have debated its identity:

  • Some believe it was a letter Paul wrote *to* the Laodiceans that is now lost.
  • Others suggest it might be a letter Paul wrote *from* Laodicea.
  • A widely held theory is that this refers to the Epistle to the Ephesians, which is thought by many to have been a circular letter intended for various churches in Asia Minor, including Laodicea. The church in Laodicea is also notably addressed later in Revelation 3:14-22, where its spiritual state is critically assessed by Christ.

Practical Application

Colossians 4:16 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Value of God's Word: Just as the early church eagerly shared and read apostolic letters, we are called to prioritize the reading and study of the Bible, which is God's inspired Word for us.
  • Church Fellowship: The verse encourages a spirit of cooperation and mutual edification between churches. We should seek ways to share resources, teachings, and support with other congregations, fostering a broader sense of Christian community.
  • Learning from History: Understanding how the early church functioned, including its communication and the circulation of sacred texts, enriches our appreciation for the preservation and transmission of the Bible throughout history.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:27

    I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:14

    And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
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