Colossians 4

Colossians 4 is the closing chapter of Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae. In this chapter, Paul gives final instructions and personal greetings. He teaches believers how to live wisely, especially toward people outside the church. He encourages prayer, gracious speech, and making good use of every opportunity. Paul also mentions several fellow workers, showing that the early Christian church was a close community of believers who supported, encouraged, and worked together for the gospel.

Colossians 4:1-7 (NKJV)
1 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
3 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;
4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you should answer each one.
7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.

Paul tells Christian masters to treat their servants with justice and fairness, because they also have a Master in heaven, Christ, before whom they are accountable. He then urges the church to continue earnestly in prayer, staying watchful and thankful. Paul asks them to pray that God would open a door for the word, so he could clearly preach the mystery of Christ, even while he was in chains. He also teaches believers to act wisely toward unbelievers, making the best use of every opportunity. Their speech should always be gracious and “seasoned with salt,” meaning their words should be kind, wise, helpful, and suitable for each person. Paul then mentions Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful servant, who would tell them about Paul’s situation and strengthen the bond between the churches.

Colossians 4:8-9 (NKJV)
8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
9 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 sends Tychicus to the Colossians not only to tell them about Paul, but also to learn how they are doing and comfort their hearts. This shows Paul’s care for the church, even while he was suffering in prison. Paul also sends Onesimus, calling him a faithful and beloved brother who is “one of you.” Onesimus had once been a runaway slave, but through the gospel he became a changed man and a valued brother in Christ. His story shows how the gospel can transform a person’s life and change relationships within the Christian community.

Colossians 4:10-11 (NKJV)
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas, about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him,
11 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 sends greetings from Aristarchus, his fellow prisoner, showing that Paul was not alone in suffering for the gospel. He also mentions Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, and tells the church to welcome him. Mark had earlier been separated from Paul because of a disagreement, but now he was restored and useful in the ministry. This shows the power of forgiveness and reconciliation in Christ. Paul also mentions Jesus, called Justus. The name “Jesus” here is the same Greek name, Iēsous, but it was a common Jewish name and does not refer to Jesus Christ. These Jewish believers were Paul’s fellow workers for the kingdom of God and had been a comfort to him, showing the importance of unity, encouragement, and shared mission.

Colossians 4:12-13 (NKJV)
12 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.
13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.

Paul speaks of Epaphras, who was from Colossae and was a bondservant of Christ. Epaphras is described as always laboring fervently in prayer for the believers. His prayer was that they would stand mature, complete, and faithful in all the will of God. Paul also says that Epaphras had great zeal for the believers in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. His example shows deep spiritual care and reminds believers that intercessory prayer is a serious spiritual work for the growth and strength of others.

Colossians 4:14-15 (NKJV)
14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.
15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.

Paul sends greetings from Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas. Luke was one of Paul’s trusted companions and later wrote the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. Demas is mentioned here as one of Paul’s companions, though later Scripture shows that he sadly forsook Paul because he loved this present world. Paul also tells the Colossians to greet the believers in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that met in his house. This shows that early Christian churches often gathered in homes. The church was not mainly about buildings, but about believers gathering together in Christ for worship, teaching, fellowship, and encouragement.

Colossians 4:16-17 (NKJV)
16 And when this letter has been read among you, ensure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the letter from Laodicea.
17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

Paul instructs the Colossians to read this letter publicly and then share it with the church in Laodicea. He also tells them to read the letter from Laodicea. This shows that Paul’s letters were meant to teach and strengthen more than one local church. The churches were connected and shared spiritual instruction with one another. Paul then gives a personal charge to Archippus, telling him to pay attention to the ministry he received in the Lord and to fulfill it. This reminds believers that any work received from the Lord should be taken seriously and completed faithfully.

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

Paul ends the letter with a personal greeting written by his own hand, confirming that the letter truly came from him. His words, “Remember my chains,” remind the believers that he was suffering imprisonment because of the gospel. Yet even in chains, Paul’s heart was still focused on the church and the spread of Christ’s message. He closes with, “Grace be with you,” showing that his final desire was for God’s grace to remain with the believers in Colossae.