Colossians 4

Paul begins by instructing masters to treat servants justly, remembering their heavenly Master. He then urges continuous, watchful prayer, specifically requesting prayers for his gospel ministry while in bonds. Believers are exhorted to walk in wisdom towards outsiders and speak with grace. The chapter concludes with personal greetings from Paul's companions, instructions regarding messengers and other churches, and a final admonition to Archippus.

Colossians 4 opens with an exhortation for masters to treat their servants justly and equally, mindful of their own Master in heaven. Paul then instructs the Colossians to persevere in prayer, being watchful and thankful, and to specifically pray for him, that God would open a door for him to proclaim the mystery of Christ despite his imprisonment. He advises them to conduct themselves wisely towards those outside the faith, making the most of every opportunity, and to ensure their speech is always gracious and discerning. Paul introduces Tychicus and Onesimus as his messengers, sent to inform the Colossians of his circumstances and to comfort their hearts. The chapter continues with personal greetings from various companions, including Aristarchus, Marcus, Epaphras (who fervently prays for them), Luke, and Demas. Paul also sends greetings to the church in Laodicea and Nymphas, instructing the Colossians to share this epistle and read one from Laodicea, before concluding with a personal admonition to Archippus and his own final salutation.

Colossians chapter four commences with a direct instruction to masters, urging them to provide their servants with justice and equality, grounded in the understanding that they too have a Master in heaven. Paul then transitions to a fervent call for continuous prayer, emphasizing watchfulness and thanksgiving in all supplications. He specifically requests prayers for himself and his fellow workers, that God might open a "door of utterance" to effectively proclaim the "mystery of Christ," for which he is currently imprisoned, and that he might declare it clearly as he ought. The apostle further provides guidance on external conduct, advising believers to walk in wisdom towards those outside the church, "redeeming the time" by making the most of every opportunity. He stresses the importance of gracious speech, "seasoned with salt," enabling them to respond appropriately to every individual. Paul then introduces his trusted messengers, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister, and Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother who is "one of you." These two are sent to inform the Colossians of Paul's current state and to comfort their hearts, also providing updates on the affairs in Rome. The chapter continues with a series of personal greetings from various companions: Aristarchus, Paul's fellow prisoner; Marcus, Barnabas's nephew, whom they are instructed to receive; and Jesus, called Justus, who are identified as fellow workers for the kingdom of God and a source of comfort to Paul. Epaphras, a Colossian and servant of Christ, is noted for his fervent prayers that they might stand "perfect and complete in all the will of God," demonstrating great zeal for the churches in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas also send their greetings. Paul extends salutations to the brethren in Laodicea, to Nymphas, and to the church that meets in his house. He then gives a specific instruction for this epistle to be read in the church of the Laodiceans, and for the Colossians to likewise read the "epistle from Laodicea." A final, direct admonition is given to Archippus, urging him to take heed to and fulfill the ministry he has received in the Lord. The epistle concludes with Paul's personal salutation, written by his own hand, a poignant reminder to "Remember my bonds," and a final benediction: "Grace be with you. Amen."