Colossians 4KJV
Books
All books

Colossians4

King James Version · Public Domain

1Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

2Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

3Withal 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:

4That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

6Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

7All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

8Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

9With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

10Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Mark, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

11And 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.

12Epaphras, 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.

13For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

15Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

16And 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.

17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

18The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

Study Guide

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Colossians 4.

Full AI study →

Chapter Summary

In this chapter: Masters to do their duty towards servants. (1). Persons of all ranks to persevere in prayer, and Christian prudence. (2–6). The apostle refers to others for an account of his affairs. (7–9). Sends greetings; and concludes with a blessing. (10–18).

v1

The apostle proceeds with the duty of masters to their servants. Not only justice is required of them, but strict equity and kindness. Let them deal with servants as they expect God should deal with themselves.

vv2-6

No duties can be done aright, unless we persevere in fervent prayer, and watch therein with thanksgiving. The people are to pray particularly for their ministers. Believers are exhorted to right conduct towards unbelievers. Be careful in all converse with them, to do them good, and recommend religion by all fit means. Diligence in redeeming time, commends religion to the good opinion of others. Even what is only carelessness may cause a lasting prejudice against the truth. Let all discourse be discreet and seasonable, as becomes Christians. Though it be not always of grace, it must always be with grace. Though our discourse be of that which is common, yet it must be in a Christian manner. Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, and keeps it from corrupting. It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also.

vv7-9

Ministers are servants to Christ, and fellow-servants to one another. They have one Lord, though they have different stations and powers for service. It is a great comfort under the troubles and difficulties of life, to have fellow Christians caring for us. Circumstances of life make no difference in the spiritual relation among sincere Christians; they partake of the same privileges, and are entitled to the same regards. What amazing changes Divine grace makes! Faithless servants become faithful and beloved brethren, and some who had done wrong, become fellow-workers of good.

Cross References

Colossians 4

Direct parallel on master-servant duties, having a Master in heaven, and prayer.

Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB

Direct sister epistle parallel on walking in wisdom and redeeming the time.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v6Ephesians 4:29thematic

Parallels speech seasoned with salt to avoid corrupt communication and give grace.

Supported by JFB

Identical details regarding Tychicus being sent as a beloved, faithful minister.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

Detailed account of Onesimus, the former runaway slave now turned beloved brother.

Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB

v1Job 31:13-15thematic

Job's description of treating servants equitably, remembering his own Maker above.

Supported by Matthew Poole

Paul's metaphor of an 'open door' for effective gospel ministry.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v61 Peter 3:15thematic

Parallel exhortation on knowing how to answer everyone with Christian readiness.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v6Mark 9:50allusion

Evokes Christ's instruction to 'have salt in yourselves' and be at peace.

Supported by JFB

v10Acts 15:37-39contrast

Contrasts Paul's previous contention over Mark with his warm recommendation here.

Supported by Matthew Henry

Urgent appeal for prayer that the word may have free course.

Supported by Matthew Poole

Prophetic message to the neighboring church at Laodicea, mentioned alongside Hierapolis.

v142 Timothy 4:11thematic

Luke and Mark named together as faithful companions in Paul's later ministry.

v6Leviticus 2:13typology

Old Testament sacrificial requirement of seasoning with salt, illuminating spiritual speech.

Supported by JFB