1 Masters, give unto [your] servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
3 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:
4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, [who is] a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is [one] of you. They shall make known unto you all things which [are done] here.
10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
11 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.
12 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.
13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them [that are] in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
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.
17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace [be] with you. Amen.
Overview of Colossians Chapter 4
Colossians Chapter 4 serves as the concluding chapter of Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae. It emphasizes the importance of prayer, the conduct of believers towards outsiders, and the significance of community and personal relationships within the church.
Key Themes
- Prayer: The chapter begins with an exhortation to devote oneself to prayer, highlighting its centrality in the Christian life.
- Conduct Towards Outsiders: Paul instructs believers on how to interact with those outside the faith, emphasizing wisdom and graciousness.
- Community and Relationships: The chapter includes personal greetings and mentions various individuals, showcasing the importance of relationships within the church.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-4: The Call to Prayer
Paul urges masters to treat their slaves justly and fairly, a call for ethical behavior in relationships of power. He then transitions to the importance of prayer:
- Devotion to Prayer: Believers are encouraged to be steadfast in prayer, indicating a continuous and earnest commitment.
- Watchfulness: The call to be watchful suggests an awareness of spiritual needs and the importance of being alert in prayer.
- Thanksgiving: Gratitude is emphasized, reinforcing the attitude with which prayer should be approached.
- Pray for Paul: Paul requests prayer for himself, specifically for the proclamation of the Gospel, indicating the collective responsibility of the church in ministry.
Verses 5-6: Conduct Towards Outsiders
In these verses, Paul shifts focus to the behavior of believers in their interactions with non-believers:
- Wisdom: Believers are instructed to act wisely towards outsiders, suggesting that their behavior can impact the perception of the Gospel.
- Gracious Speech: Paul emphasizes the importance of how believers communicate, advocating for speech that is seasoned with salt, which implies both flavor and preservation.
- Knowing How to Respond: The necessity of being prepared to answer questions reflects the apologetic aspect of the Christian faith.
Verses 7-18: Personal Greetings and Final Instructions
This section contains a series of personal greetings and commendations of various individuals, illustrating the communal aspect of the early church:
- Tychicus and Onesimus: Paul sends Tychicus and Onesimus to the Colossians to provide updates and encouragement, highlighting the role of personal ministry.
- Mark and Aristarchus: Mention of these individuals shows the interconnectedness of the early Christian community and the importance of support among believers.
- Epaphras: His commitment to prayer for the Colossians is noted, emphasizing the power of intercessory prayer.
- Final Exhortations: Paul encourages the Colossians to read the letter publicly and to share it with the church in Laodicea, promoting unity and the spread of teachings.
Conclusion
Colossians Chapter 4 encapsulates key elements of Christian living, including the importance of prayer, wise conduct towards outsiders, and the value of community. Paul’s personal greetings serve to remind believers of their shared faith and mutual support, reinforcing the idea that the Christian life is lived in relationship with others. The chapter concludes with a call to action, urging the church to remain steadfast in their faith and outreach.
