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Colossians 4

Colossians 4 serves as the closing chapter of Paul's letter to the church in Colossae, focusing on final instructions and personal greetings. Paul emphasizes practical Christian living, especially in the context of relationships with non-believers. He encourages prayer and wise conduct towards those outside the church and gives personal commendations and instructions to various members of the church and his fellow workers, emphasizing the communal and interconnected nature of the early Christian community.

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 addresses Christian masters, urging them to treat their servants fairly, reflecting the justice they expect from Christ. He emphasizes the importance of persistent and thankful prayer, asking for prayers for his ministry to effectively communicate the gospel despite his imprisonment. Paul advises believers to interact wisely with non-believers, making the most of every opportunity and ensuring their words are gracious and thoughtful. He introduces Tychicus, who will update the Colossians on Paul's circumstances, reinforcing the close ties within the Christian community.

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 and Onesimus to the Colossians not only to inform them of his situation but to understand and comfort the Colossians in their own challenges. Onesimus, notably mentioned as a faithful and beloved brother, highlights his transformation from a runaway slave to a key figure in the Christian community, emphasizing the radical social changes the gospel can bring about.

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 mentions Aristarchus, a fellow prisoner, and Mark, who had once been estranged from Paul but is now restored, showing the power of reconciliation in Christ. He also refers to Jesus, called Justus, a Jewish believer who worked alongside Paul to advance the gospel. The name "Jesus" here, though the same as that of Christ in Greek (Iēsous), was a common name among Jews and does not refer to Jesus Christ. These individuals, though few in number, were faithful in their support and encouragement, emphasizing the importance of unity, reconciliation, and shared mission in spreading the gospel.

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.

Epaphras, a key figure from Colossae, is highlighted for his fervent prayers for the church. His dedication to spiritual maturity for the believers in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis shows his deep care and commitment to their spiritual well-being, underscoring the importance of intercessory prayer in Christian life.

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.

Luke, known as the beloved physician, and Demas send their greetings, showing the variety of Paul's companions. Paul also instructs the Colossians to greet the Christians in nearby Laodicea and specifically mentions Nymphas, who hosts a house church, illustrating the practical and personal nature of church gatherings in the early Christian era.

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 commands that his letter be shared with the church in Laodicea and vice versa, promoting unity and shared teaching among the churches. He concludes with a personal charge to Archippus, urging him to fulfill his ministry responsibly, highlighting the personal responsibility each believer has in their service to God.

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

Paul ends with a personal note, written by his own hand, to authenticate the letter. His reminder of his chains serves as a poignant reflection of his sacrifice for the gospel, while his closing benediction of grace encapsulates his desire for God’s favor upon the believers in Colossae.

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