What does Colossians 4:4 mean?

Paul's personal request for prayer is for clarity in preaching the gospel. This short phrase packs a great deal of meaning into few words. First, the gospel is no longer a mystery, but is a clear message (Colossians 1:26). Second, Paul recognizes that the gospel should be presented clearly, without confusion or complication. The false teachings Paul condemned earlier in this letter were characterized by trickery and deception (Colossians 2:8). This included changing the gospel, or adding to it, making it unclear to the young believers in Colossae.

Paul's simple message of faith in Jesus was based on the teachings of Jesus and the apostles (1 Corinthians 15). It included belief in Jesus as the way of salvation (John 3:16; 14:6; Acts 4:12), proclaiming, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). Salvation is not by works, but rather leads to good works by those who believe (Ephesians 2:8–10).