Colossians 4 Commentary
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
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 say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to the Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.
Colossians 4 marks the conclusion of Paul's letter, bringing together instructions for Christian living and personal greetings. The preceding chapters established Christ's supremacy, refuted false teachings, and provided practical guidance for believers. This final chapter builds upon those themes, emphasizing the importance of prayer, wise conduct, and encouraging fellowship. The structure of Colossians, like many of Paul's letters, follows a pattern: introduction, theological foundation, practical application, personal news, and farewell.
Instructions for Christian Living (Colossians 4:1-6)
Paul begins with instructions that touch upon various aspects of the Christian life, moving from masters to prayer and evangelism.
Justice and Fairness (Colossians 4:1) Paul addresses masters, urging them to treat their slaves "justly and fairly." This principle transcends the specific context of slavery and applies to all employer-employee relationships. Employers should treat their employees with dignity, fairness, and justice, avoiding abuse and oppression. Remembering that they too have a Master in heaven, employers should reflect God's character in their employment practices. God will hold us accountable for how we treat those who work for us.
The Power of Prayer (Colossians 4:2-4) Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer, urging the Colossians to "devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Prayer should be a serious and consistent practice, not a casual afterthought. Like a vigilant watchman, we must remain alert in prayer, aware of our dependence on God. A believer equipped with spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:11-17) who neglects prayer is like a soldier with the best weapons but no communication with command. Paul specifically requests prayer for his ministry, asking God to "open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ." He also asks for prayer that he may proclaim it clearly, as he should. This highlights the need to pray for pastors, missionaries, and ourselves, that God would create opportunities to share the gospel with unbelievers.
Wisdom and Grace in Evangelism (Colossians 4:5-6) Paul instructs believers to "be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity." We must be wise in our interactions with non-believers, making the most of every opportunity to share the gospel. Our speech should always be gracious, "seasoned with salt," so that we may know how to answer everyone. Our words should be helpful and appealing, drawing people towards Christ. The goal is to present the gospel in a way that is relevant and understandable to each individual, tailoring our approach to their unique situation.
Greetings and Encouragement (Colossians 4:7-18)
Paul concludes his letter with personal greetings and encouragement, highlighting the importance of fellowship and mutual support within the body of Christ.
Tychicus and Onesimus (Colossians 4:7-9) Paul entrusts Tychicus and Onesimus with delivering the letter, describing them as "dear brothers, faithful ministers and fellow servants in the Lord." Tychicus would inform them of Paul's circumstances and encourage them. Onesimus, also mentioned in Philemon, is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel.
Greetings from Fellow Workers (Colossians 4:10-14) Paul sends greetings from several fellow workers, including Aristarchus, Mark, and Jesus, who is called Justus. He also mentions Epaphras, a fellow Colossian, who is always wrestling in prayer for them. Luke, the beloved doctor, and Demas also send their greetings. These greetings emphasize the importance of fellowship and mutual support within the Christian community.
Greetings to Laodicea and Nympha (Colossians 4:15-16) Paul instructs the Colossians to greet the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, a town about ten miles from Colossae, and Nympha and the church in her house. He also instructs them to read the letter that he wrote to the Laodiceans, and to exchange letters. While we do not have a copy of Paul's letter to the Laodiceans, Revelation 3:14-22 contains the risen Lord Jesus's letter to the church in Laodicea.
Encouragement for Archippus (Colossians 4:17) Paul encourages Archippus to "see to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord." This is a reminder that each believer has a unique role to play in the kingdom of God, and we must be faithful to fulfill our calling.
Final Greetings (Colossians 4:18) Paul concludes the letter with a personal greeting in his own handwriting, a sign of authenticity. He also asks the Colossians to remember his chains, requesting their prayers during his imprisonment. This final request underscores the importance of prayer and solidarity within the Christian community.
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
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 say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to the Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.
Colossians 4 marks the conclusion of Paul's letter, bringing together instructions for Christian living and personal greetings. The preceding chapters established Christ's supremacy, refuted false teachings, and provided practical guidance for believers. This final chapter builds upon those themes, emphasizing the importance of prayer, wise conduct, and encouraging fellowship. The structure of Colossians, like many of Paul's letters, follows a pattern: introduction, theological foundation, practical application, personal news, and farewell.
Instructions for Christian Living (Colossians 4:1-6)
Paul begins with instructions that touch upon various aspects of the Christian life, moving from masters to prayer and evangelism.
Justice and Fairness (Colossians 4:1) Paul addresses masters, urging them to treat their slaves "justly and fairly." This principle transcends the specific context of slavery and applies to all employer-employee relationships. Employers should treat their employees with dignity, fairness, and justice, avoiding abuse and oppression. Remembering that they too have a Master in heaven, employers should reflect God's character in their employment practices. God will hold us accountable for how we treat those who work for us.
The Power of Prayer (Colossians 4:2-4) Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer, urging the Colossians to "devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Prayer should be a serious and consistent practice, not a casual afterthought. Like a vigilant watchman, we must remain alert in prayer, aware of our dependence on God. A believer equipped with spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:11-17) who neglects prayer is like a soldier with the best weapons but no communication with command. Paul specifically requests prayer for his ministry, asking God to "open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ." He also asks for prayer that he may proclaim it clearly, as he should. This highlights the need to pray for pastors, missionaries, and ourselves, that God would create opportunities to share the gospel with unbelievers.
Wisdom and Grace in Evangelism (Colossians 4:5-6) Paul instructs believers to "be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity." We must be wise in our interactions with non-believers, making the most of every opportunity to share the gospel. Our speech should always be gracious, "seasoned with salt," so that we may know how to answer everyone. Our words should be helpful and appealing, drawing people towards Christ. The goal is to present the gospel in a way that is relevant and understandable to each individual, tailoring our approach to their unique situation.
Greetings and Encouragement (Colossians 4:7-18)
Paul concludes his letter with personal greetings and encouragement, highlighting the importance of fellowship and mutual support within the body of Christ.
Tychicus and Onesimus (Colossians 4:7-9) Paul entrusts Tychicus and Onesimus with delivering the letter, describing them as "dear brothers, faithful ministers and fellow servants in the Lord." Tychicus would inform them of Paul's circumstances and encourage them. Onesimus, also mentioned in Philemon, is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel.
Greetings from Fellow Workers (Colossians 4:10-14) Paul sends greetings from several fellow workers, including Aristarchus, Mark, and Jesus, who is called Justus. He also mentions Epaphras, a fellow Colossian, who is always wrestling in prayer for them. Luke, the beloved doctor, and Demas also send their greetings. These greetings emphasize the importance of fellowship and mutual support within the Christian community.
Greetings to Laodicea and Nympha (Colossians 4:15-16) Paul instructs the Colossians to greet the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, a town about ten miles from Colossae, and Nympha and the church in her house. He also instructs them to read the letter that he wrote to the Laodiceans, and to exchange letters. While we do not have a copy of Paul's letter to the Laodiceans, Revelation 3:14-22 contains the risen Lord Jesus's letter to the church in Laodicea.
Encouragement for Archippus (Colossians 4:17) Paul encourages Archippus to "see to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord." This is a reminder that each believer has a unique role to play in the kingdom of God, and we must be faithful to fulfill our calling.
Final Greetings (Colossians 4:18) Paul concludes the letter with a personal greeting in his own handwriting, a sign of authenticity. He also asks the Colossians to remember his chains, requesting their prayers during his imprisonment. This final request underscores the importance of prayer and solidarity within the Christian community.