Colossians Chapter 4 — Prayer and Faithful Service
Paul concludes his letter with instructions on prayer and social conduct, followed by a series of personal greetings and news about his fellow laborers.
1Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
2Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving,
3praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds,
4that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.
5Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
6Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
7All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord.
8I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
9together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here.
10Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received instructions, “if he comes to you, receive him”),
11and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for God’s Kingdom who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me.
12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
13For I testify about him that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.
14Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.
15Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, with Nymphas and the assembly that is in his house.
16When 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.
17Tell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.”
18I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Colossians 4:2
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving,”
This verse emphasizes the dual importance of persistence and gratitude in a believer's daily prayer life.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
It provides a practical guideline for meaningful, respectful, and effective communication with others.
Chapter Summary
The final chapter of Colossians opens with instructions for masters to treat their servants with justice and equality. Paul then encourages the community to remain steadfast in prayer, specifically asking them to pray that God would open doors for him to continue sharing the mystery of Christ despite his imprisonment. He emphasizes the importance of acting with wisdom toward those outside the faith and ensures that their speech remains gracious. The chapter transitions into personal news, as Paul introduces Tychicus and Onesimus, who are delivering the letter and will provide updates on Paul’s circumstances. Paul also conveys greetings from several companions, including Aristarchus, Mark, and Luke the physician. He concludes by instructing the Colossians to exchange letters with the church in Laodicea and offering a final personal greeting with a reminder of his chains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tychicus is described as a beloved brother and faithful servant who carried Paul's news to the Colossians. Onesimus, also called a faithful brother, accompanied him and was a member of the local community.
Paul instructs the Colossians to ensure his letter is read to the assembly in Laodicea and that they, in turn, read the letter coming from Laodicea. This highlights the practice of sharing apostolic letters among early Christian communities.
Luke is identified as the beloved physician in verse 14. He is one of the companions sending greetings to the Colossians, illustrating his close working relationship with Paul during his travels.
Study Note
The mention of Luke as a physician in verse 14 provides the only specific biblical reference to his professional background before he became a traveling companion of Paul.
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