Colossians4
New American Standard
1Masters, grant your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
2Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;
3praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;
4that I may make it clear in the way that I ought to proclaim it.
5Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
6Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
7As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information.
8For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts;
9and with him is Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your own. They will inform you about the whole situation here.
10Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’ cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him);
11and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.
12Epaphras, who is one of your own, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings, always striving earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
13For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and Demas does also.
15Greet the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house.
16When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part, read my letter that is coming from Laodicea.
17Tell Archippus, “See to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.”
18I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Colossians 4.
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.
Key Words
κύριος (kýrios): supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title)
παρέχω (paréchō): to hold near, i.e. present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion
δοῦλος (doûlos): a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
δίκαιος (díkaios): equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἰσότης (isótēs): likeness (in condition or proportion); by implication, equity
εἴδω (eídō): used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι) and G3708 (ὁράω); properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know
ὅτι (hóti): demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὑμεῖς (hymeîs): you (as subjective of verb)
ἔχω (échō): to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition)
Cross References
Colossians 4Direct 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
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
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
Parallel exhortation on knowing how to answer everyone with Christian readiness.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Evokes Christ's instruction to 'have salt in yourselves' and be at peace.
Supported by JFB
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.
Luke and Mark named together as faithful companions in Paul's later ministry.
Old Testament sacrificial requirement of seasoning with salt, illuminating spiritual speech.
Supported by JFB
Paul's practice of writing the closing salutation with his own hand.