The Grace Commentary – Your free verse-by-verse Bible commentary Colossians 4

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Colossians 4:1

Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.

(a) Masters, bosses, supervisors, employers, heads of departments, team leaders, et cetera.

(b) Slaves; ver entrada for Col. 3:22.

(C) Justice and fairness. Treat your workers as you would like to be treated. If you want your employees to respect you, respect them. Be courteous and straightforward with them. Note that Paul does not say, “Make your employees come to church with you,” or “preach at them during their lunch breaks,” since that would be a misuse of power. But you can pray for them, care for them, train them, and take an interest in their wellbeing.

(d) Fairness. The original noun isotēs means “likeness.” In context, it means “treat your workers with equity and equality.” If they are believers, they are equal in grace. If they are unbelievers, they are precious to Jesus and worth dying for.

First-century slave owners treated people like property. Slaves could be bought and beaten. Enslaved families could be separated and sold. Paul spoke out against this ancient evil. He took the Lord’s golden rule (Matt. 7:12) and applied it to the master-slave relationship. “Masters, do the same things to them.” In defending the rights of slaves, Paul was centuries ahead of his time.

(mi) A Master in heaven. Remember that the One you serve is Jesus the Servant-King (John 13:3–5).

Colossians 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;

(a) Devote yourselves to prayer. Be earnest and intentional about prayer (Rom. 12:12). “Pray at all times” (Eph. 6:18) does not mean praying long-winded or repetitious prayers (Matt. 6:7). It means living in a posture of prayer and supplication (1 Th. 5:17). Make it your habit to converse with your heavenly Father. You can talk to him about anything and everything.

(b) Prayer. Prayer is conversing with God. Prayer may take a variety of forms (supplication, intercession, praying in a tongue, etc.), but it is usually accompanied with thanksgiving (Eph. 1:16). Prayer is a remedy for anxiety and the means by which we access the peace of God (Php. 4:6–7). Prayer is a most productive use of your time. Prayer is not a work but a rest, yet prayer is how things get done in the economy of grace. When we humble ourselves in prayer and align ourselves with God’s will, we position ourselves to receive from the abundance of his grace.

(C) Alert. Keep your spiritual antenna directed to the Holy Spirit and allow him to guide you as you pray (Eph. 6:18). Pray the words that the Holy Spirit gives you.

(d) Thanksgiving keeps our prayers from being whiney. We approach God with thanksgiving and praise (Ps. 100:4, Php. 4:6).

Colossians 4:3

praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;

(a) Pray … for us as well. Paul asked the Colossians to pray for him and his companions in Rome. He considered the prayers of ordinary believers to be no less effective than his own. He understood that God hears the prayers of all his children (1 John 5:14).

(b) Open up to us a door. An open door is an opportunity to preach the gospel.

When Paul went to Troas, he found that “the Lord had opened a door” for him (2 Cor. 2:12), and he lingered in Ephesus because “a great door for effective work” had opened (1 Cor. 16:9). An open door is what you have when people are responding to the gospel and coming to Jesus.

The Apostle Paul craved open doors and he was in the habit of praying for them. In his present confinement, he would have been particularly keen for an open door to Nero. An angel of the Lord had told him that he would appear before Caesar (Acts 27:24), and after five years of being in chains he was more than ready for that door to open.

(d) The mystery of Christ is synonymous with the mystery of the gospel (Eph. 6:19). This mystery is that God desires to share his life with us. This mystery or plan is revealed and fulfilled in Christ (Col. 2:2).

(mi) Imprisonment. When Paul wrote this letter, he was living under house arrest in Rome.

While visiting Jerusalem, Paul had been arrested on trumped-up charges of inciting a riot (Acts 21:30–33). Paul spent the next two years (Acts 24:27) cooling his heels in a Judean prison. When it became apparent that the corrupt governor would not release him without a bribe (Acts 24:26), Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11). He was shipped off to Rome to await trial. For a further two years, Paul was subject to the custodia militaris, or military custody, whereby Roman citizens lived under the constant supervision of a Roman soldier. During this time Paul was chained to a guard (Acts 28:16, 20).

Under this arrangement, Paul lived in a rented house where he was able to receive visitors, preach the gospel, and write letters. In this way the gospel went out from his house to all corners of the world (Acts 28:31, Php. 1:12). What happened next remains a mystery, but it seems that Paul was set at liberty. Later he was arrested again, possibly at Troas (2 Tim. 4:13). Writing in Church History (2.22.8), Eusebius records that Paul was executed during the later years of Emperor Nero.

Colossians 4:4

that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.

(a) Make it clear. “That I may reveal the gospel – the mystery of Christ – in a way that is easy for people to understand.”

(b) The way I ought to speak. “Pray that I will be given the words to say.”

Although he was under house arrest, Paul had many opportunities to speak to visitors and court officials (Acts 28:23, 30–31). He knew that the right word spoken at the right time had the power to set captives free, and he trusted the Lord to give him the words to speak.

Colossians 4:5

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.

(a) Outsiders. Unbelievers, those outside the body of Christ. Those who are not yet “in Christ.”

(b) Making the most. The original verb exagorazō means “buy up” or “ransom.” The King James Version translates it as “redeeming the time.” In other words, spend your life wisely, and make the most of the opportunities that come your way. Every new day is a gift from God and an opportunity to do something of lasting significance. We can’t solve every problem and help every person, but we can bless those we encounter through work, school, and church.

(C) The opportunity to share the love of God with people. “While we have opportunity, let us do good to all people” (Gal. 6:10).

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

(a) Speech. Gracious speech is pleasant, courteous, and kind. In contrast with abusive speech, which is destructive (Col. 3:8), words of grace enrich and impart life to our relationships.

(b) Salt. Gracious speech is attractive.

In New Testament times, salt was a valuable spice that was used to preserve and add flavor to food. In the same way, gracious words add flavor and value to our conservations.

(C) Respond. The original verb apokrinomai is often translated as “answer.” It means to answer a question or speak after someone has spoken first. It does not mean “preach damnation” or “lecture others on their shortcomings”. Nobody was ever argued into the kingdom.

Your friends and neighbors aren’t looking for religious soundbites and dogma. Like the rest of us, they are looking for love, acceptance, and practical help for life’s trials. As recipients of God’s grace, we are uniquely gifted to impart grace to others. We may not have the answers to every question that comes our way, but we know Who to turn to for wisdom and aid.

Colossians 4:7

As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information.

(un) Tychicus, a Christian from the province of Asia, traveled with Paul as part of his ministry team (Acts 20:4) and was entrusted with carrying Paul’s letters to the Colossians and the Ephesians (Eph. 6:21–22). He probably delivered both letters on the same journey. Starting from Rome, he may have disembarked at Ephesus leaving the first letter there, and then travelled up the Lycus Valley to Colossae. The letter we know as Ephesians might have been circulated among the churches before landing in Laodicea, just down the road from Colossae, while the letter we know as Colossians could have made a similar journey in reverse. Tychicus was accompanied in his travels by Onesimus (Col. 4:9).

(b) Beloved brother. Paul names nearly a dozen men in this letter, and four of them – Tychicus, Onesimus, Luke, and Epaphras (Col. 1:7, 4:7, 9, 14) – are singled out as beloved brothers.

(C) Faithful. In both this letter and the one sent to the Ephesians, Paul praises Tychicus for being a faithful servant or minister (Eph. 6:21). Tychicus probably suffered hardships on his travels, but by the grace of God, he was able to complete his mission and deliver Paul’s letters. How do we know? We are still reading them today.

(d) Bond-servant. See entrada for Col. 1:7.

Colossians 4:8

For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts;

(un) Know about our circumstances. Tychicus would pass along news about Paul and those who were with him in Rome (see Col. 4:10).

Some translations say, “so that I may know about your circumstances.” Did Paul want to know about the Colossians circumstances (as in 1 Th. 3:5), or did he want them to know about his (as in Eph. 6:22)? No doubt he craved news from the churches, but Paul had already heard about the Colossians from Epaphras (Col. 1:7–8). Having heard about them, he wanted them to hear about him and learn how he was doing.

(b) Encourage your hearts. The Colossians would have been troubled by the news of the apostle’s long imprisonment. Paul’s letter, and a good report from Tychicus, would bring them comfort and strengthen their faith.

Colossians 4:9

and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here.

(a) Onesimus, a slave belonging to Philemon, had run away, met Paul in Rome, and become a Christian. Paul sent Onesimus back with a letter encouraging Philemon to welcome Onesimus as a brother in the Lord (Phm. 1:10, 16).

(b) One of your number. Like Epaphras (Col. 4:12), Onesimus was from Colossae.

(d) The whole situation. Like Tychicus, Onesimus would be able to update the Colossians about Paul’s detention and pending trial before Caesar.

Colossians 4:10

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him);

(a) Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was one of Paul’s traveling companions (Acts 20:3–4). He was with Paul during the riot at Ephesus (Acts 19:29) and later accompanied Paul to Rome (Acts 27:2).

(b) Fellow prisoner. Since Aristarchus chose to remain with Paul during the apostle’s imprisonment, Paul called him a fellow prisoner. Epaphras was another fellow prisoner (Phm. 1:23).

(C) Greetings. Why is Paul naming names and sending greetings? He is building community and strengthening the infant church. He is linking the small groups of Christians in Colossae and Laodicea with the small group of Christians with him in Rome. He is making introductions and opening doors. “Welcome Mark if he comes.” He’s giving apostolic shout-outs to home churches like the one that met in Nympha’s house (Col. 4:15). These personal touches remind us that the church is a large family that stretches across countries and cultures.

(d) Bernabé. Joseph Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus (Acts 4:36). Barnabas was one of Paul’s closest friends and most important coworkers. Barnabas accompanied Paul on visits to Jerusalem and his first visit to Galatia (Acts 11:29–30, 13:2–4, 15:1–2). See entrada for Acts 9:27.

(mi) marca (also known as Marcus or John Mark) joined Paul and Barnabas on their mission to Pisidia only to abandon them at Perga (Acts 12:25, 13:13). Paul was unhappy about Mark’s departure and refused to take him on his next mission (Acts 15:37–38). However, the two eventually reconciled, as Mark was later with Paul in Rome. See also the entrada for Acts 12:12.

(F) Welcome him. Receive Mark as a brother in the Lord. Make him feel like part of the family.

(gramo) Received instructions. The Colossians had never met Mark. Presumably, Tychicus or another messenger had passed along some message from Paul regarding a possible visit from Mark.

Colossians 4:11

and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.

(a) Justus. Three men in the Bible bear the Roman surname Justus; Joseph (Acts 1:23), Titius (Acts 18:7), and this Jesus. Nothing is known about him other than he was a Jewish coworker and an encouragement to Paul.

(b) El reino de Dios refers to the reign of God (Matt. 6:10). (Kingdom means king’s domain.) The kingdom of God is synonymous with the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 3:2), the kingdom of Christ (Eph. 5:5), and the “kingdom of his beloved Son” (Col. 1:13). It is the superior reality of heaven in contrast with the fallen realms of this world (John 18:36). In the present age, the kingdom of heaven on earth is synonymous with the Body of Christ or the church.

(d) An encouragement to me. Many Jews were hostile towards Paul as they considered him a threat to their religion (e.g., Acts 21:27–28, Tit. 1:10). These three men were notable exceptions who encouraged Paul during his confinement in Rome.

Colossians 4:12

Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

(a) Epaphras visited Paul in prison in Rome, perhaps to get Paul’s insight into the false teaching threatening his church (Col. 2:8, 16–23). Since he had chosen to remain in Rome, Paul called him a “fellow prisoner” (Phm. 1:23).

(b) One of your number. Like Onesimus (Col. 4:9), Epaphras was from Colossae.

(C) A bondslave or bond-servant of Christ. In several of his letters, Paul introduces himself as a slave (doulos) of Christ (e.g., Rom 1:1, Gal 1:10, Tit 1:1). In this letter, Tychicus (Col. 4:7) and Epaphras (Col. 1:7) are identified as fellow slaves (sundoulos). Ver entrada for Col. 1:7.

(d) Greetings; ver entrada for Col. 4:10.

(mi) Laboring earnestly. The original verb agōnizomai is closely related to the noun agōn, which Paul used to describe his earnest prayer (Col. 2:1). Both Paul and Epaphras cared deeply for the Colossian Christians, and their love was evident in the way they prayed.

(F) Stand perfect and fully assured. “So that you may be fully convinced that you are complete in Christ.” (The original adjective teleios, translated here as “perfect,” is rendered “complete” in Col. 1:28.)

(gramo) The will of God. “So that you may understand your role in God’s plan to reconcile heaven and earth under the headship of his Son” (Eph. 1:9-10). It is often said that God has a plan for your life. It is perhaps more accurate to say that God has a plan for all creation, and his plan includes a special part for you.

Colossians 4:13

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

(a) Concern. The original adjective ponos can mean “toil” or “anguish.” Epaphras went to considerable trouble to bring Paul a report from the church (or churches) he planted. By traveling across land and sea, he proved that he was deeply committed to the believers in the Lycus Valley.

(b) Laodicea and Hierapolis were two cities located not far from Colossae in the Lycus Valley. The three cities were like points on a triangle. Colossae was situated nine miles east of Laodicea, while Hierapolis was six miles north of Laodicea.

Colossians 4:14

Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas.

(a) Luke, the beloved physician, is rarely mentioned by name even though he wrote more than a quarter of the New Testament. (He wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.) Luke traveled regularly with Paul and was with him when this letter was written. He was a faithful companion who, in later years, remained with Paul when others left (2 Tim. 4:11).

(b) Greetings; ver entrada for Col. 4:10.

(C) Demas was another of Paul’s coworkers (Phm. 1:24). He was with Paul on this occasion, but years later, when Paul was imprisoned again, he deserted Paul in the name of self-preservation (2 Tim. 4:10).

Colossians 4:15

Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house.

(a) Brethren. In the New Testament, the word “brethren” typically refers to Christian brothers and sisters (see entrada for Heb. 2:11).

(b) Laodicea; ver entrada for Col. 2:1.

(C) Nympha. At a time when the church only met in people’s homes, several women were recognized as leaders. Priscilla was one (Rom. 16:3), Chloe was another (1 Cor. 1:11), and so was Nympha. We know very little about Nympha other than she lived somewhere in the Lycus Valley and a church met in her house.

Nympha had probably never met Paul, but his greeting sent an affirming message. “You and the church that meets in your house are important to me and I am praying for you” (see Col. 1:3, 2:1). The family of God is not just recognized by its deeds but by the mutual love and regard we have for one another (John 13:35).

(d) The church; ver entrada for Col. 1:18.

Colossians 4:16

When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea.

(a) Laodiceans. Paul had not visited either Laodicea or Colossae, yet both churches were on his mind (Col. 2:1). He sent each church a letter instructing them to swap with the other once their letter had been read. His letter to the Ephesians was likely meant to be circulated among the churches in the region. If so, the letter we know as Ephesians may have been the letter that ultimately ended up with the Laodiceans.

(b) Read my letter. The letters of the New Testament were meant to be read and shared.

The early church flourished, in part, because the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42). Although the original apostles are long gone, their teachings remain in the form of the New Testament epistles. By reading and teaching these letters, we strengthen our faith and promote the spiritual growth of our families and churches.

Colossians 4:17

Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

(a) Archippus was Philemon’s son and a minister in one of the churches in the Lycus Valley. Paul called him “our fellow soldier” (Phm. 1:2). According to church tradition, Archippus was the first bishop of the church of Laodicea (Apostolic Constitutions, 7.46).

(b) Take heed to the ministry. In other words, “See to your job.” Was Archippus a discouraged pastor or a bad bishop? Was he being seduced by worldly philosophies, manmade traditions, or angel worship? We can only speculate. But Paul’s exhortation that he fulfill the ministry suggests that he was distracted or discouraged.

Colossians 4:18

I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.

(a) Pablo the apostle; see entrada for Col. 1:1.

(b) Greeting; ver entrada for Col. 4:10.

(C) My own hand. Paul’s letters were usually written by an amanuensis or letter writer (e.g., Rom. 16:22, cf. Gal. 6:11, Phm. 1:19). To authenticate his letters, Paul would pen a personal greeting at the end of letters (1 Cor. 16:21, 2 Th. 3:17).

(d) Remember my imprisonment. “Don’t forget to pray for me while I am in chains.”

(mi) Imprisonment; ver entrada for Col. 4:3.

(F) Grace be with you; Paul ends his letter the same way he starts it, with a gracious salutation (see Col. 1:2). Everything Paul wrote was bracketed by the grace of Jesus. Grace is what makes the good news, good news. May the grace of God be upon you as you read these words.

Paul sometimes finished his letters by saying, “The Lord be with you” (2 Th. 3:16), and sometimes he closed by saying, “Grace be with you” (Eph. 6:24; Col. 4:18; 1 Tim. 6:21). There is no difference (Phm. 1:25; 2 Tim 4:22). To have the Lord is to have his grace.

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Colossians 4