Colossians 4 wraps up Paul's heartfelt letter with practical advice for living out faith in community. He emphasizes the power of prayer and wise communication, urging believers to stay connected and supportive of one another.
The Reading: Colossians 4
World English Bible1 Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
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2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;
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3 praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;
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4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.
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5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
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6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
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7 All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord.
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8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
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9 together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here.
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10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, “if he comes to you, receive him”),
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11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for God’s Kingdom who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me.
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12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
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13 For I testify about him, that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.
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14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.
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15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house.
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16 When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the letter from Laodicea.
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17 Tell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.”
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18 The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand: remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Masters and Servants
Paul starts by addressing masters, reminding them to treat their servants justly and fairly. This call for equality highlights the essence of mutual respect in all relationships, reflecting the authority of their shared Master in heaven.
The Power of Prayer
Next, he stresses the importance of steadfast prayer. Paul encourages the Colossians to pray with gratitude and to intercede for him, asking God to open doors for his message about Christ, even while he's in chains. This illustrates the significance of prayer both for personal growth and communal support.
Walking in Wisdom
Paul then moves on to practical advice for navigating relationships with outsiders. He advises the Colossians to be wise and to make the most of every opportunity - essentially, to live out their faith in a way that attracts others rather than pushes them away.
Grace in Conversation
He emphasizes that their speech should always be gracious, akin to being seasoned with salt. This means that how they communicate matters just as much as what they say, encouraging them to be thoughtful and kind.
Paul's Friends
The chapter wraps up with a list of greetings and updates from Paul's friends and fellow workers, showcasing the importance of community. He mentions Tychicus and Onesimus, who are sent to provide comfort and news back to the Colossians. He also notes Epaphras, who fervently prays for them, emphasizing the unity and support among believers.
Finally, Paul gives a personal plea to Archippus to fulfill his ministry, reminding us that everyone has a role to play in God's work.
Why It Matters
The Importance of Prayer
Prayer is not just a ritual - it's the lifeline of a believer's life. Paul's emphasis on prayer illustrates its ability to connect us with God and each other. It helps to build a supportive faith community where everyone can grow.
Wise Living
Living wisely among those who don't share your faith is crucial. Paul's call to 'redeem the time' encourages believers to seize opportunities to share their faith in authentic ways that resonate with others.
Gracious Communication
In today's world, where conversations can often turn sour, Paul's advice to let our speech be gracious is more relevant than ever. Kind and thoughtful words can bridge divides and showcase the love of Christ.
Community Matters
The relationships Paul highlights remind us that we aren't meant to journey in faith alone. Engaging with a supportive community can strengthen our walk with God. If you're looking to connect with others in faith, you can find a church near you using the Sancta app, where you can explore local communities that share your beliefs.
In summary, Colossians 4 teaches us about the power of prayer, the need for wisdom in our actions, and the importance of being part of a caring community. These timeless principles continue to guide believers today.
Coming Up Next: 1 Thessalonians 1
In the next part of the journey, we'll dive into 1 Thessalonians 1, where Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonians' faith and endurance amidst challenges. Join us as we explore their inspiring story!