What does Colossians chapter 4 mean?

After concluding the subject of the previous chapter, with a word toward Christian masters (Colossians 4:1), chapter 4 focuses on two major themes.

First, Paul gives some miscellaneous instructions (Colossians 4:2–6). He asks for prayer (Colossians 4:2), including an open door to share the gospel (Colossians 4:3) and present it with clarity (Colossians 4:4). Paul advises believers to be wise toward unbelievers and make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5). A believer's words are to be gracious, offering assistance like the seasoning of salt, with the goal of helping others (Colossians 4:6).

Second, Paul offers greetings and encouragement to various friends (Colossians 4:7–18). These include Tychicus, who delivered this letter (Colossians 4:7–8) and Onesimus (Colossians 4:9) who is a major figure in the brief letter of Philemon. Paul then mentions several believers in Rome with him when he wrote his letter, including Aristarchus, Mark, Jesus called Justus, Epaphras, Luke, and Demas (Colossians 4:10–14).

Paul also sends personal greetings to believers in Laodicea, a town about 12 miles away from Colossae. This includes a church that met in Nympha's house (Colossians 4:15). Paul also encourages Archippus (Colossians 4:17), a man also mentioned in Philemon 1:2.

This letter was co-written along with Timothy (Colossians 1:1), which probably means Timothy did most of the handwriting. However, near the end of the letter Paul notes that the closing words are penned by his own hand (Colossians 4:18). Though brief, this powerful chapter offers both instruction and inspiration to assist those who seek to better serve Christ as well as others.