Colossians 4 - Printer Friendly

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.

Colossians 3:18—4:1 gives specific instructions from Paul for those living in Christian homes. This passage includes directions for husbands, wives, children, and servants. Paul makes a point of reminding believers not to merely ''get by'' with the bare minimum of what we are obligated to do. Rather, we should serve knowing that Christ is our ultimate judge. Paul also places ''masters'' under the same obligation to kindness and fairness as slaves and servants: both are equal in the eyes of Christ.

Colossians 4:2–6 completes the main substance of Paul's letter. This passage starts with a request for personal prayer, then transitions into a command regarding how Christians speak. Paul uses the metaphor of salt. Salt, in Paul's day, was valuable enough to be used as money, and was treasured for its ability to preserve and flavor foods. In the same way, a Christian's speech should be helpful and valuable, ''flavored'' differently from the speech of non-believers, and preserving the message of Christ.

Colossians 4:7–18 ends Paul's letter to the believers at Colossae in his typical fashion. Most of Paul's letters begin with an introduction, transition from ideas into applications, and then end with general news and greetings. Here, Paul specifically mentions the town of Laodicea, which was about 12 miles away from Colossae. He also refers to several fellow Christians, some of whom are mentioned in other letters as well, including Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Epaphras, and Luke.

The first verse of chapter 4 is actually the last thought from Paul's prior comments about bondservants and masters. After this, Paul gives the Christian perspective on conversation. The way believers speak has a large impact on the effectiveness of our message. Paul then ends his letter with news and messages between various Christian ministers. Among these are names which Paul mentions again in other letters, such as Tychicus, Epaphras, Archippus, and Onesimus.

Prior chapters in this letter established the supremacy of Christ, provided counters to false teaching, and gave instructions for Christian living. Chapter 4 completes these instructions with a general command regarding Christian conversation. Paul then ends the letter with news and comments related to various fellow Christian believers. This follows the general pattern for Paul's letters: introduction, theory, application, personal news and farewell.

The book of Colossians describes Christ as superior to all other teachers, faiths, and philosophies. In this letter, written from prison, Paul once again tackles false teachings. Among these errors are claims that Christians need to give up all physical enjoyments, that they should worship angels, and that they need to rely on the wisdom of an elite few. These problems are consistent with an ancient heresy known as Gnosticism. In response, Paul explains that Christ is supreme, and sufficient for our salvation.