Colossians - Chapter 4

Colossians 4.1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Colossians 4.2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Colossians 4.3 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: Colossians 4.4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Colossians 4.5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Colossians 4.6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4.7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: Colossians 4.8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; Colossians 4.9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. Colossians 4.10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) Colossians 4.11 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. Colossians 4.12 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. Colossians 4.13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. Colossians 4.14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. Colossians 4.15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. Colossians 4.16 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. Colossians 4.17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. Colossians 4.18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

Colossians : Chapter 4

Conclusion of Colossians Chapter 4

Colossians chapter 4 concludes with essential instructions and meaningful greetings. It invites us to reflect on how we should interact with the world around us, emphasizing fundamental principles for the Christian life.

The Importance of Prayer

This practical text underscores the crucial importance of prayer. Paul exhorts us to pray persistently, to be attentive, and to pray for all the saints. This echoes Ephesians 6:18: "Pray in the Spirit at all times, with all prayer and supplication; with this in mind, be attentive and persevere in prayer for all the saints." This instruction is also echoed in Colossians 4:2, which encourages perseverance in prayer.

Wise Witness and Gracious Speech

Chapter 4 also teaches us the importance of wise witness and gracious speech. Paul invites us to always be ready to respond graciously to those who seek to understand our faith. This is reflected in 1 Peter 3:15: "Instead, sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you." This exhortation echoes Colossians 4:6, which speaks of responding to each person with grace. The Community of Believers Paul mentions several of his collaborators, thus emphasizing the communal nature of Christian ministry. In 2 Timothy 4:11, he declares, "Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry." This passage relates to Colossians 4:10 and 14, which mention Mark and Luke as Paul's companions, reinforcing the idea of ​​unity in ministry. Connections Between Paul's Letters Colossians chapter 4 offers a glimpse into the web of relationships in early Christianity. For example, in Philemon 1:2, Paul writes: "also to Sister Afia, to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church that meets in your house." This mention connects with Colossians 4:17, which mentions Archippus, demonstrating the close connections between Paul's various letters.

Public Reading of the Scriptures

Finally, the importance of disseminating the teachings is emphasized. In 1 Thessalonians 5:27, Paul commands, "I have given you a command in the Lord that this letter be read to all the brothers." This mirrors the instruction given in Colossians 4:16, which calls for the public reading of the letter, thus strengthening the community of faith and the importance of sharing God's Word. In sum, Colossians chapter 4 equips believers for effective witness and underscores the need for a life marked by prayer, wisdom in witnessing, and interconnectedness within the Christian community.