Colossians 4:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.

NIV: I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.

NASB: For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

CSB: For I testify about him that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.

NLT: I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

KJV: For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

NKJV: For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.

Verse 12 mentioned Epaphras' constant prayers for the spiritual maturity of his hometown church. According to Paul, though, the ministry of Epaphras was not limited to just the people of Colossae. Paul says that Epaphras has been working diligently for the Christians in two nearby towns: Laodicea and Hierapolis. Laodicea is mentioned in Colossians 4:15–16 and in Colossians 2:1. The church at Laodicea is also addressed in Revelation 1:11 and Revelation 3:14–22 as one of the seven churches Jesus addressed through John. Hierapolis is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament.

History tells us that Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis were part of a single tri-city area. This region is now known as Pamukkale, in southwest modern-day Turkey. The church historian Eusebius mentioned Philip the evangelist serving and being martyred in this city. History also records that Philip's daughters served as prophetesses in this area (see Acts 8; 21:8–9).

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.

Accessed 5/2/2024 4:15:25 AM