Colossians 4

In Colossians 4, Paul concludes his letter by offering practical guidance on relationships, prayer, and Christian behavior. He emphasizes the importance of prayer, wisdom in how believers interact with non-believers, and Christian virtues in everyday life. Paul also sends personal greetings, demonstrating his strong connections with fellow believers and reminding the Colossian church of their shared mission in Christ.

Colossians 4:1 (NKJV):
Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Paul reminds masters to treat their servants with fairness and justice, recognizing that they too have a Master in heaven. This instruction reflects the equality of all people under God, regardless of earthly status. Christian masters are called to lead with integrity, knowing they are accountable to God for their actions. This verse highlights the importance of mutual respect and fairness within relationships, especially for those in positions of authority.

Colossians 4:2 (NKJV):
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.

Prayer is central to the life of a believer, and Paul urges the Colossians to devote themselves earnestly to it. He encourages them to remain alert and aware of their spiritual condition while offering their prayers with gratitude. Vigilance in prayer involves being spiritually awake, mindful of both challenges and blessings, while thanksgiving keeps the believer grounded in recognizing God’s continuous provision.

Colossians 4:3-4 (NKJV):
Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Paul asks for prayers for himself and his fellow workers, specifically that God would grant them opportunities to share the gospel. Despite being imprisoned, Paul remains focused on his mission to proclaim the "mystery of Christ." He desires to make the message clear and understandable, showing his deep commitment to sharing the truth of the gospel, even in difficult circumstances.

Colossians 4:5 (NKJV):
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

Paul advises the Colossians to be wise in how they interact with non-believers, using their time effectively. Their behavior should reflect Christ, making the most of every opportunity to demonstrate godly character and speak about their faith. This instruction emphasizes the importance of living wisely and purposefully in a way that draws others to Christ, being mindful of how one’s actions can influence those outside the faith.

Colossians 4:6 (NKJV):
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Paul encourages believers to speak graciously, with wisdom and kindness, so that their words bring benefit to others. The phrase "seasoned with salt" suggests that their conversations should be engaging and full of truth, not bland or careless. Believers must be ready to respond thoughtfully and kindly to any questions or challenges, offering answers that reflect their faith and bring glory to God.

Colossians 4:7-9 (NKJV):
Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.

Paul introduces Tychicus and Onesimus, two trusted companions who will update the Colossians on Paul’s situation. Tychicus is described as a faithful servant of the Lord, and Onesimus, who was once a slave, is now a "beloved brother." This passage highlights the unity and fellowship among believers, as well as Paul’s care for the spiritual well-being of the Colossian church. Both men will encourage and comfort the Colossians by sharing news and providing support.

Colossians 4:10-11 (NKJV):
Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.

Paul acknowledges Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus, Jewish believers who have stood by him in his ministry. He especially commends them for their support during his imprisonment. Mark is mentioned with a specific instruction to welcome him, reflecting Paul’s confidence in him despite their earlier conflict. This demonstrates the theme of reconciliation and unity in the body of Christ, as these men have proven themselves to be faithful workers in the kingdom of God.

Colossians 4:12-13 (NKJV):
Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.

Epaphras, a member of the Colossian church, is commended for his constant prayer and concern for his fellow believers. He fervently intercedes for their spiritual growth, desiring that they be mature and fully committed to God’s will. Paul testifies to Epaphras’ zeal not only for the Colossians but also for believers in neighboring cities. This shows the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities and the importance of prayer for the spiritual well-being of others.

Colossians 4:14 (NKJV):
Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.

Paul briefly mentions Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts, and Demas, who were both with him during his imprisonment. Luke is described as "the beloved physician," indicating both his profession and the high regard Paul has for him. However, later in Paul's writings (2 Timothy 4:10), Demas is noted for abandoning the ministry, which adds a bittersweet context to his greeting here.

Colossians 4:15-16 (NKJV):
Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house. Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

Paul sends greetings to the believers in Laodicea and to Nymphas, who hosts a church in his home. This highlights the early Christian practice of meeting in homes and the importance of fellowship among neighboring churches. Paul also instructs that his letter be shared with the Laodiceans and that the Colossians read the letter sent to Laodicea, emphasizing the communal nature of the early church’s teaching and the exchange of letters for mutual edification.

Colossians 4:17 (NKJV):
And say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it."

Paul encourages Archippus, likely a leader in the Colossian church, to remain faithful to the ministry entrusted to him by the Lord. This personal exhortation suggests that Archippus may have been struggling or in need of encouragement. Paul’s words serve as a reminder that the call to serve comes from God, and it is the believer’s responsibility to fulfill their ministry with diligence and commitment.

Colossians 4:18 (NKJV):
This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

Paul closes the letter by personally writing the final greeting, a common practice to authenticate his letters. He asks the Colossians to remember his chains, signifying both his imprisonment for the gospel and a call for their prayers and support. Despite his difficult circumstances, Paul’s final words are a blessing of grace, showing his focus on God’s goodness and the sustaining power of grace in the lives of believers.