Colossians Chapter 4
1 Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving,
3 praying 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,
4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom towards those who are outside, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
7 All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord.
8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
9 together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here.
10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, "if he comes to you, receive him"),
11 and 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.
12 Epaphras, 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.
13 For I testify about him that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.
14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.
15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house.
16 When this letter has been read amongst you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the letter from Laodicea.
17 Tell Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfil it."
18 The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand: remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
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Colossians Chapter 4 Guide
The true purpose of life for the saints and faithful in Christ is to the maintenance of a twofold relationship- toward God, and toward those who are without. The first is covered by prayer as it includes adoration, confession, and petition. This life must be sedulously cultivated. A necessary element in such a life is watchfulness. Yet such watchfulness is not to be characterized by anxiety, for it is to be "with thanksgiving." Cheerfulness is to mingle with cautiousness. Toward "them that are without" the saint is to walk in wisdom. This again is closely linked with the prayer life. Moreover, the speech of the saint is to be characterized by grace and salt, that is by courteousness, and yet by the qualities which prevent corruption.
The letter closes with references that were local and personal. The references to Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, and Jesus, are characterized by Paul's recognition of their excellences. The one picture that stands out is that of Epaphras. Evidently when the letter was written he was with Paul, and there was striving in prayer for that Church of which really he was a member. In this description of Epaphras we have an insight into his character. He was praying for them that they might "stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God." What greater prayer is it possible for any to offer for loved ones than this, and what greater service can anyone render than thus to strive in prayer on behalf of the loved ones? The final words have in them a touch of pathos. Taking the stylus from the one to whom he had been dictating, he wrote words which indicate at once his sense of limitation and his desire for sympathy, "Remember my bonds."
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Colossians Chapter 4 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- Masters to do their duty towards servants. -- (1)
- Persons of all ranks to persevere in prayer, and Christian prudence. -- (2-6)
- The apostle refers to others for an account of his affairs. -- (7-9)
- Sends greetings; and concludes with a blessing. -- (10-18)
Verse 1
The apostle proceeds with the duty of masters to their servants. Not only justice is required of them, but strict equity and kindness. Let them deal with servants as they expect God should deal with themselves.
Verses 2-6
No duties can be done aright, unless we persevere in fervent prayer, and watch therein with thanksgiving. The people are to pray particularly for their ministers. Believers are exhorted to right conduct towards unbelievers. Be careful in all converse with them, to do them good, and recommend religion by all fit means. Diligence in redeeming time, commends religion to the good opinion of others. Even what is only carelessness may cause a lasting prejudice against the truth. Let all discourse be discreet and seasonable, as becomes Christians. Though it be not always of grace, it must always be with grace. Though our discourse be of that which is common, yet it must be in a Christian manner. Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, and keeps it from corrupting. It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also.
Verses 7-9
Ministers are servants to Christ, and fellow-servants to one another. They have one Lord, though they have different stations and powers for service. It is a great comfort under the troubles and difficulties of life, to have fellow Christians caring for us. Circumstances of life make no difference in the spiritual relation among sincere Christians; they partake of the same privileges, and are entitled to the same regards. What amazing changes Divine grace makes! Faithless servants become faithful and beloved brethren, and some who had done wrong, become fellow-workers of good.
Verses 10-18
Paul had differed with Barnabas, on the account of this Mark, yet he is not only reconciled, but recommends him to the churches; an example of a truly Christian and forgiving spirit. If men have been guilty of a fault, it must not always be remembered against them. We must forget as well as forgive. The apostle had comfort in the communion of saints and ministers. One is his fellow-servant, another his fellow-prisoner, and all his fellow-workers, working out their own salvation, and endeavouring to promote the salvation of others. The effectual, fervent prayer is the prevailing prayer, and availeth much. The smiles, flatteries, or frowns of the world, the spirit of error, or the working of self-love, leads many to a way of preaching and living which comes far short of fulfilling their ministry. But those who preach the same doctrine as Paul, and follow his example, may expect the Divine favour and blessing.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.