Chapter 4
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
2Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
3Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
4That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
7All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
8Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
9With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
10Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
11And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
13For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
15Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
16And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
18The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Overview
Paul gives final instructions to the Colossians, urging them to continue steadfastly in prayer with thanksgiving and to walk in wisdom toward outsiders, redeeming the time. He instructs masters to treat servants justly and fairly. He sends greetings from various co-workers including Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Luke, Epaphras, and Demas, and asks that the letter be read also in Laodicea.
Key Themes
Prayerful Watchfulness
Believers are called to continue in prayer with vigilance and thanksgiving, including intercession for the spread of the gospel.
Wise Conduct Toward Outsiders
Christians are to walk in wisdom toward unbelievers, making the most of every opportunity and letting their speech be gracious and seasoned with salt.
The Fellowship of Ministry
Paul's greetings reveal a network of faithful co-laborers who shared the work and cost of spreading the gospel across the Roman world.
Study Questions
How does Paul's call to 'continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving' (v. 2) shape your prayer life?
What does it mean to 'walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time' (v. 5)?
How should our speech be 'alway with grace, seasoned with salt' (v. 6)?
What can we learn from Paul's relationships with co-workers like Luke, Mark, and Epaphras?
How does Paul's instruction to masters about justice and equity (v. 1) apply to workplace relationships today?
Connection to Christ
Paul asks for prayer that God would open a door for the word, to speak 'the mystery of Christ' (v. 3). Christ remains the central message of Paul's ministry and the reason for his imprisonment, and the entire community of believers is organized around proclaiming Him.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Colossians 4. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?