Colossians4
New International Version
1Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
7Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
8I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
9He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
10My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)
11Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.
12Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
13I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.
15Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
16After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
17Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
18I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. 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.