Colossians 4:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Colossians 4:16 provides a fascinating glimpse into the early church's communication network, revealing Paul's instruction for his letter to the Colossians to be circulated and read by the neighboring church in Laodicea, and for the Colossians, in turn, to read a letter originating from Laodicea. This directive underscores the vital importance of sharing apostolic teaching, fostering interconnectedness among nascent Christian communities, and establishing a communal approach to the reception and study of inspired writings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the very end of Paul's letter to the Colossians, following his final exhortations, personal greetings, and commendations of his companions (e.g., Tychicus and Onesimus in [Colossians 4:7-9](/colossians/4-7-9 "Colossians 4:7-9 - Paul's Companions")). It is part of the concluding remarks, which often contain practical instructions and farewells. Specifically, [Colossians 4:15](/colossians/4-15 "Colossians 4:15 - Greetings to Nymphas and the Church in Her House") mentions Nymphas and the church in his house in Laodicea, setting the immediate geographical and relational stage for the instruction in verse 16 regarding the circulation of letters between Colossae and Laodicea. The verse thus serves as a practical postscript, ensuring the broader dissemination of the letter's theological and ethical content.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians during his imprisonment, likely in Rome (c. A.D. 60-62), addressing emerging theological challenges and syncretistic tendencies within the Colossian church. The cities of Colossae and Laodicea were located in the Lycus Valley of Asia Minor, relatively close to each other, forming part of a network of early Christian communities. Communication between these cities was common, and the circulation of letters was a standard method for apostles to instruct, encourage, and correct distant churches. This practice reflects the nascent stage of the New Testament canon formation, where apostolic writings were recognized as authoritative and intended for a wider audience than their initial recipients. The mention of a letter "from Laodicea" also hints at the broader literary activity within these early Christian centers.
* **Key Themes:** Colossians 4:16 significantly contributes to several key themes prevalent in the New Testament and particularly in Paul's epistles. It highlights the theme of **Inter-Church Communication and Unity**, demonstrating Paul's vision for a connected body of Christ where churches share resources and teachings, fostering a collective identity and mutual edification, as seen in his concern for all the churches (cf. [2 Corinthians 11:28](/2_corinthians/11-28 "2 Corinthians 11:28 - Paul's Daily Pressure")). The verse also underscores the theme of **Apostolic Authority and the Dissemination of Inspired Teaching**, emphasizing that Paul's letters were not merely personal correspondence but authoritative instruction meant to be widely read and obeyed, laying the groundwork for what would become canonical Scripture. This aligns with the understanding that all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching and training in righteousness, as described in [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - The Profit of Scripture"). Finally, it subtly touches upon the theme of **The Developing Canon**, as the circulation and communal reading of these letters were crucial steps in their recognition as divinely inspired and foundational texts for Christian faith and practice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **epistle (Greek, _epistolḗ'_):** From G1992, this word refers to a "written message" or "letter." In this context, it specifically denotes Paul's inspired letter to the Colossians, which he expects to be read publicly and shared. The term emphasizes the formal and authoritative nature of the communication, distinguishing it from casual notes.
* **read (Greek, _anaginṓskō'_):** From G314, meaning "to know again, i.e. (by extension) to read." This word indicates the public, communal act of reading aloud. In the context of early church gatherings, "reading" an epistle implied its public proclamation and reception by the assembled congregation, underscoring its importance and the expectation of attentive listening and understanding.
* **church (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** From G1577, meaning "a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both)." Here, it refers to the local assembly of believers in Laodicea, highlighting the communal context in which Paul's letter was to be received and studied. It signifies the organized body of believers, called out by God for His purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when this epistle is read among you":** This clause sets the condition and expectation for the Colossian believers. Paul assumes and commands that his letter to them will be publicly read within their congregation. The act of "reading among you" signifies a communal, liturgical, and authoritative reception of the apostolic message, making it accessible to all members.
* **"cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans;":** This is a direct command for the Colossians to actively facilitate the sharing of the letter with the neighboring church in Laodicea. The phrase "cause that it be read" (poiéō... anaginṓskō) implies a deliberate effort and responsibility on the part of the Colossians to ensure the letter's dissemination. This highlights the interconnectedness of early Christian communities and Paul's desire for his teaching to reach a broader audience.
* **"and that ye likewise read the [epistle] from Laodicea.":** This final clause introduces reciprocity. Not only are the Colossians to share their letter, but they are also to receive and read a letter that originates "from Laodicea." The identity of this "epistle from Laodicea" has been a subject of much scholarly discussion, with leading theories suggesting it could be a lost letter from Paul to Laodicea, a letter from Laodicea to Paul, or, most commonly, a circular letter like the [Epistle to the Ephesians](/ephesians/1 "Ephesians 1 - The Epistle to the Ephesians") that would have been sent to Laodicea as well. Regardless of its precise identity, this instruction reinforces the mutual exchange of apostolic and perhaps other significant Christian writings among the churches, emphasizing a shared spiritual inheritance and a collaborative pursuit of truth.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise command. The primary device is **Directive/Command**, as Paul issues clear instructions for the circulation and reading of letters, underscoring his apostolic authority and the importance of his message. There is also an element of **Reciprocity**, as the command involves both giving (sharing the Colossian letter) and receiving (reading the Laodicean letter), illustrating the mutual edification and interconnectedness of the early churches. Furthermore, the verse implies **Intertextuality** within the emerging body of Christian writings, as it points to the existence and circulation of multiple apostolic letters, some of which would eventually form the New Testament canon.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 4:16 profoundly illustrates the early church's understanding of apostolic writings as authoritative and communal. It underscores the divine intention for God's Word to be widely disseminated and deeply engaged with by all believers, not merely confined to a single congregation. This practice laid the groundwork for the eventual recognition and collection of New Testament books, demonstrating the early church's commitment to sound doctrine and unified practice across geographically separated communities. The sharing of these letters ensured that the foundational truths of the Gospel and the practical implications of Christian living were consistently taught and reinforced, fostering a cohesive and spiritually robust body of Christ.

* [1 Thessalonians 5:27](/1_thessalonians/5-27 "1 Thessalonians 5:27 - Paul's Command to Read the Letter Publicly")
* [2 Peter 3:15-16](/2_peter/3-15-16 "2 Peter 3:15-16 - Paul's Letters as Scripture")
* [Revelation 1:11](/revelation/1-11 "Revelation 1:11 - John's Command to Write to the Seven Churches")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 4:16 is a powerful reminder that God's Word is meant to be shared, studied, and lived out in community. Just as Paul commanded the early churches to circulate and read these inspired letters, believers today are called to prioritize the public and private engagement with Scripture. This verse encourages us to view the Bible not just as a personal devotional tool, but as a communal treasure, meant to build up the entire body of Christ. It challenges us to consider how we can facilitate the broader accessibility and understanding of God's truth within our own congregations and beyond, fostering a spirit of unity and mutual edification among diverse Christian communities. We are reminded that the health and growth of the church are intrinsically linked to its faithful adherence to and widespread embrace of the apostolic teaching preserved for us in the Scriptures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my church prioritize the public reading and teaching of Scripture?**
* **In what ways can I personally contribute to the wider dissemination and understanding of God's Word, both within my local church and beyond?**
* **What can we learn from the interconnectedness of the early churches in Colossae and Laodicea about fostering unity and mutual support among different congregations today?**

### FAQ

**What was "the epistle from Laodicea" mentioned in Colossians 4:16?**

Answer: The exact identity of "the epistle from Laodicea" (G1537, _ek_ Laodicea, meaning "from out of Laodicea") remains a subject of scholarly debate, as no such letter explicitly named "from Laodicea" has been preserved in the New Testament canon. The most widely accepted theory among scholars is that this refers to the [Epistle to the Ephesians](/ephesians/1 "Ephesians 1 - The Epistle to the Ephesians"). Many believe Ephesians was a circular letter, intended for distribution among various churches in Asia Minor, including Laodicea. This theory is supported by the general nature of Ephesians, which lacks specific personal greetings typical of Paul's other letters, suggesting it was meant for a broader audience. Other less common theories include a lost letter from Paul to the Laodiceans, or even a letter written by the Laodiceans to Paul. Regardless of its precise identity, the instruction emphasizes the early church's practice of circulating authoritative Christian writings among different communities. The church in Laodicea is also notably addressed later in [Revelation 3:14-22](/revelation/3-14-22 "Revelation 3:14-22 - Christ's Message to the Church in Laodicea"), where its spiritual state is critically assessed by Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 4:16, while a practical instruction, points to the broader Christ-centered reality of the church's mission and the nature of divine revelation. The circulation of apostolic letters, such as Paul's epistle to the Colossians, was fundamentally about disseminating the good news of Jesus Christ and the implications of His finished work. These letters served as the authoritative proclamation of the Gospel, revealing Christ as the head of the church ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as the Head of the Church")), the one in whom all the fullness of God dwells ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - All Fullness Dwells in Christ")), and the mystery now revealed to the saints ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")). The command to share and read these epistles ensures that the message of Christ's supremacy and sufficiency would reach and unify His body, transcending geographical boundaries. In a deeper sense, this verse foreshadows the ongoing mission of the church to proclaim the living Word, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as the early church shared the written word to spread the knowledge of Christ, so too are believers today called to embody and articulate the Gospel, making Christ known to all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission given by Christ Himself ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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.