Colossians 4 — Continue in Prayer
Introduction: Chapter four begins with a comment about the conduct of masters, which is part of the list started in chapter three. Paul moves on to emphasize consistency in prayer for all saints. He mentions some fellow workers by name, and then closes this relatively short letter by indicating he has written it in his own hand.
NOTE: The Bible text for Colossians verses is from the Modern KJV unless otherwise designated.
A — Masters and the Call to Continue in Prayer
Colossians 4 “1 Masters, give to your slaves what is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in Heaven. 2 Continue in prayer and watch in it with thanksgiving, 3 praying together about us also, that God may open to us a door of the Word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I also have been bound, 4 that I may make it clear, as I ought to speak.”
Comments: This verse regarding masters closes the list of groups started in chapter three. Even those who have authority over others are serving Christ, and their position in the world has no special merit with the Lord (Colossians 3:23–25; Ephesians 6:9). Paul’s desire is to see the saints continually practicing prayer and thanksgiving to the Lord, and to have them praying for him that he would have a clear message, because he firmly believes he is to continue spreading the gospel despite any external circumstance that might work against him (Romans 12:12).
B — Walk in Wisdom and Speech Seasoned with Salt
Colossians 4 “5 Walk in wisdom toward those on the outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be always with grace, having been seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
Comments: Most of the letter has detailed proper conduct before the Lord and toward other saints, but it is important to have a proper attitude toward those who are still of the world. Our conduct should be a display of Godly wisdom towards those outside in order to buy up the opportune time we have to speak of the grace we have experienced (Proverbs 14:8; 1 Corinthians 1:21, 24; 2:5). Our wisdom must be from our understanding of God’s ways, and must give evidence that Christ is both the wisdom and the power of God. If our words and actions lack seasoning for the soul, they will have little success in allowing others to taste and see that the Lord is good (Job 6:6; Psalm 34:8).
C — Greetings from Fellow Workers
Colossians 4 “7 Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things about me. 8 I sent him to you for this very purpose, that he might know the things about you, and that he might comfort your hearts, 9 along with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you… 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (regarding whom you received commandments; if he comes to you, receive him), 11 and greetings from Jesus, who is called Justus… 12 Epaphras greets you, he being of you, a servant of Christ, 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 record that he has a great zeal for you and for those who are in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.”
Comments: Paul refers to both Tychicus and Onesimus commendably as faithful and beloved; Tychicus means “faithful” and Onesimus means “profitable or useful.” These men were not just carrying the letter for delivery but would spend some time with the saints at Colosse, giving comfort to them and relating personal detail of Paul’s situation. Epaphras had spent time in Colosse imparting the word and gaining first-hand knowledge to share with Paul; and Paul was now sending those who had spent time with him to share with the church at Colosse. This was a pattern for Paul and those around him — to travel to various locations building relationships and then sharing those relationships with other churches as they traveled again. Mention of these people by name with complimentary adjectives indicates that relationships and interpersonal exchanges were important in the church, and that the letter was truly communication more than bare doctrine.
D — Final Instructions and Closing
Colossians 4 “15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church in his house. 16 And when this letter is read before you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the letter of Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it. 18 The salutation of Paul, by my own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.”
Comments: Paul had sent, or was sending, a letter to Laodicea which has not become part of scripture, but he instructs the saints at Colosse to exchange letters with those at Laodicea so each would know the content of the other. Archippus is mentioned only once here and once in Philemon in the scriptures. Paul says that Archippus has been engaged in ministry or service to the Lord and he should take heed to fulfill that service. Paul closes his letter indicating he has written it in his own hand rather than dictating to someone else. He wants his readers to remember his bonds, and from all else he has said, he intends that as encouragement. Then by his amen he says may grace, goodwill, and loving-kindness be with them.
Reflections in Prayer
Lord, help me as I struggle against the flesh so that I will be steadfastly attentive and give unremitting care to prayer, and be vigilant with strict attention to thanksgiving for all your blessings. Remind me to pray for those of my acquaintance who are serving you, that you will open a door allowing them to tell of the things not understood about Christ. Give me also your wisdom Lord, to tell others in a seasoned manner about the grace I have experienced in Christ. It would be a joy to see another taste and see that the Lord is good, and that the one who trusts in him is truly blessed. Thank you Lord for those Christians you have brought across my path, and the encouragement and comfort we have exchanged because of your love. I need your Spirit to teach me to labor in fervent prayer for the steadfast faith of other saints. As Paul had instructed the Colossian saints to read other church letters, I need also to read other letters in the Bible to understand more of the Lord’s counsel to his church. As Archippus was advised, may I contemplate and carefully examine my service to you Lord, as you continue to direct my life. May goodwill, loving-kindness, and favor be among and with saints everywhere. Amen.
Published 15 October 2004