Colossians Chapter 4
Vs 1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
This concludes the instructions from the previous chapter. All men will be given an impartial judgment by God. With that in mind, a warning is extended to masters to be fair in their dealings with their servants.
|
Leviticus 25:43 You are not to rule over them harshly, but you shall fear your God.
Ephesians 6:9 And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him. |
Vs 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
Instructions for Prayer God does not intend for prayer to be an event taking place only at certain times. It is meant to be an ongoing dialogue with the Lord. We are instructed to:
|
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Prayer is the one aspect of the Christian life that the believer can be devoted to without it interfering with anything except maybe sleep. You can pray while you drink your morning coffee. You can pray while you read Scripture. You can pray while you drive to work. You can pray while you are working or talking with others being conscious of the presence of Christ and inhaling and exhaling "breath" prayers during the day. You can pray as long as your mind is not completely given over to anything that is not contradictory to the things of the Spirit.
What I call "breath prayers" are also referred to as "living prayers". Ray Stedman noted "This is the description of an ongoing life of prayer. It refers to quiet, whispered prayers and praises that flow from our hearts all day long. It was suggested that we use interruptions, people or events that break in unexpectedly upon our day, as calls to specific prayer. When someone calls our attention to himself, even in an impolite way--- tripping us on the bus, jabbing us with an umbrella, dodging in front of us (in traffic)--God may be calling that particular individual to our attention in order to inspire prayer for him. That is what this is suggesting: that continual prayer arises constantly as a reaction to what you are going through. There is a book called "Life as a Prayer" that suggests a similar call to prayer in the form of challenges and longings that we experience during the day. These experiences can be viewed as invitations to prayer. What are you devoted to? Other devotions in life can be a distraction and require your complete attention to the dismissal of all other matters of importance. |
Vs 3-4 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
Ask in prayer
|
Ephesian 6:19 -20 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, divine utterance may be given me, so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should. Romans 16:25 Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past, Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, |
Vs 5-6 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Sharing the Gospel
In regard to living out and sharing the gospel with unbelivers, two important principles are noted here:
|
Ephesians 5:15-25 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
Seasoned Conversation
Our conversations should be full of grace which means that it is not dependent on our ability but empowered by the Spirit. It also means that our conversations should be gracious....pleasant and kind. We are also told that our conversations should be seasoned wih salt. Salt served as both a preservative, keeping meat from spoiling and a seasoning, adding flavor to food. In Paul's day, it was considered valuable enough to be used as a currency. How is our conversation to be seasoned like salt?
|
Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Romans 14:19 So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 1 Peter 3: 15-16 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. |
Vs 7- 9 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
Delivery of Letter
Tychicus carried this message, and several others, from Rome and was accompanied by Onesimus. Among the letters Tychicus carried was one Paul wrote to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6:21). Tychicus is also mentioned in Acts 20:4, 2 Timothy 4:12, and Titus 3:12. Tychicus was mostly likely a Gentile believer and had served alongside Paul previously (Acts 20:4) in addition to being with him in Rome to help deliver his letters. Second, he is called a "faithful minister" (also Ephesians 6:21) and likely served as a church leader. Onesimus, who was also from Colossae, is also tasked with helping deliver this letter to the Colossians. Onesimus was a runaway slave, once owned by a Christian named Philemon (Philemon 1). Philemon had come to faith in Christ through Paul's influence in Rome. During this same trip, Onesimus also delivered the letter Paul wrote to his master, living in this same city. History records that Philemon granted Paul's request to free Onesimus (Philemon 1:15–18), who later served as a church leader. |
Purpose of sending Tychicus
Paul explains why he was sending him: for encouragement and to deliver news. Paul seems to have felt these needs required more than just a written letter. Paul wanted the Colossian Christians to hear directly from a live person who had served alongside him. This is why Paul would have sent someone like Tychicus personally. In that day and time, communication was vastly slower than it is today. Rumors could easily spread without an easy way to know the real details of a matter. Sending Tychicus, along with a written letter, offered two points of evidence backing up the truth. Along with Onesimus (Colossians 4:9), there would be two living witnesses and Paul's written letter to verify what was really happening. Also, as an eyewitness to Paul's ministry, Tychicus could personally encourage the Colossian believers. He was apparently gifted in this area, both assisting Paul and helping other believers in the faith. |
Vs 10-11 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.
Aristarchus and Mark
Paul mentions several believers who are with him in Rome. Verses 10 through 14 list six specific men, similar to a list given in Philemon 1:24. The first two men noted in this verse are Aristarchus and Mark. Aristarchus is likely the same man mentioned by name in Acts 19:29, 20:4, and 27:2. He had accompanied Paul in the past and traveled with him to Rome. Paul describes him as a "fellow prisoner," though he was unlikely part of Paul's current confinement. He had, however, been a literal prisoner at other times. Mark is named here as "the cousin of Barnabas." Most scholars agree that this is the same Mark mentioned throughout the New Testament (Acts 12:12; 2 Timothy 4:11; 1 Peter 5:13). This is the same Mark who traveled with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, leaving early to return to Jerusalem. Paul refused to take him on the next trip, with Barnabas leaving with Mark instead to Cyprus. Years later, Mark is mentioned with Paul during his house arrest alongside Luke (Colossians 4:14). As a close associate of Peter, this Mark is the same one credited with writing the Gospel of Mark. Mark and Luke may well have developed their written accounts during the time Paul was writing this letter, which would explain their many similarities. |
Justus
A third Jewish Christian is named here, "Jesus who is called Justus." The name Justus is mentioned in Acts 1:23 and Acts 18:7, but both of those are probably completely different men. Hebrew culture featured a handful of commonly-used names, so it was normal for men to go by nicknames, family names, or extended labels such as this. Paul's mention of "men of the circumcision" means that Paul considered Aristarchus, Mark, and Jesus Justus as his only Jewish Christian co-workers (Colossians 4:10). This means that the three remaining companions in verses 12 through 14 are all Gentiles. Or, in Timothy's case, half-Gentile, as his mother was Jewish (Acts 16:1–3; 2 Timothy 1:5–6). Paul seems to appreciate having the company of Christian brothers. Living alone under house arrest was likely a lonely situation. The fellowship of these three men brought Paul great encouragement, assisting him during what would have otherwise been a much more difficult time. With their help, Paul, "lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance" (Acts 28:30–31). |
Vs 12-13 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Epaphras
Epaphras helped start the Colossian church and was highly respected there (Colossians 1:7). At some point, Epaphras traveled to Rome to visit Paul and was there at the time this letter was written. Epaphras sent personal greetings to his fellow believers in the letter, since it would be delivered by Tychicus and Onesimus. Epaphras Imprisonment Like Paul, Epaphras was jailed for his faith. We are not told in the Bible how or why Epaphras was arrested. However, he would have been in Rome either to share the gospel and/or to assist Paul. Presumably, at some point he was arrested for his Christian activities. (Philemon 1:23). Paul commended this work, clearly acknowledging that Epaphras' imprisonment was due to his missionary efforts. |
The Ministry of Epaphras
Paul also makes note of Epaphras' loyal efforts in prayer for his hometown. Specifically, Epaphras has been praying that the Colossian believers "may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God." God desires maturity (Colossians 1:28), which is a reference to the spiritual strength of our thinking (1 Corinthians 14:20). Paul develops this theme in Ephesians also, stating, "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ" (Ephesians 4:15). 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. |
Vs 14-18 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Luke and Demas
This is the same Luke who authored the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. At the time this letter was written, he is primarily known as a medical doctor and traveling companion of Paul. Luke is mentioned as a co-worker during many of Paul's travels recorded in Acts. Second, Paul mentions a man named Demas. Both Luke and Demas are part of the Christian companions mentioned here, and in Philemon 1:24. However, unlike Luke, Demas would later desert Paul. Second Timothy 4:10 notes, "For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica." That sad report would be written during Paul's second imprisonment, which occurred just a few years after this letter to the Colossians was written. These two men—Luke and Demas—provide a stark contrast between those who serve Christ and endure well till the end, and those who do not. Archippus Archippus was likely the son of Philemon and Apphia (Philemon 1:2). There he was called a "fellow soldier" in the church that met in Philemon's house. Paul must have had some connection with Archippus in the past, whether directly or through Epaphras. Given that Paul had plans to visit Philemon in person (Philemon 1:22), it's likely he had met Archippus face-to-face. Final Greeting Written by Paul It appears Paul dictated this letter, perhaps to Timothy (Colossians 1:1), Luke (Colossians 4:14), or Mark (Colossians 4:10). This was a common technique in ancient letter writing and would not have been a surprise to his original readers. What would have stood out in this final verse is that Paul personally wrote down the final words. It was like adding his autograph, adding value to an already important letter. Paul ends this letter in his typical style, by saying, "Grace be with you." Despite any hardship, Paul begins and ends with the grace of God, sufficient for salvation as well as every other aspect of the Christian life. |
Greetings to Laodicea and Nympha
Paul offers greetings to those beyond the original readers of this letter. "The brothers at Laodicea" refers to the Christians in the neighboring city of Laodicea, about 12 miles from Colossae. This town, along with Hierapolis and Colossae, formed a three-city region. Paul wanted this church in Laodicea to read the letter he had sent to the Colossians, and for the Colossian church to read the letter he had sent for the Laodiceans. Some scholars suggest that this now-lost letter to the Laodiceans is the same as written to the Ephesians. However, it is more likely that this verse refers to a completely different writing which has since been lost. Nympha is a female name, likely of a woman who hosted a church in her home. It is uncertain if Nympha and her church were in Laodicea or in neighboring Hieropolis (Colossians 4:13). Regardless, churches typically met in homes in the first century. Paul's greeting to a house church in a woman's home was not a reference to her as the church's leader but likely said more about the size of her home being large enough to accommodate a small worship gathering of believers. Copies of Paul's Letters It is uncertain whether the same copy would have been shared or if this letter was copied by someone in the Colossian church before sending it to the next church. In either case, it is clear there was a need for multiple copies of Paul's letters from the start. This led to the many copies that arose in the first through third centuries. Still today, the New Testament writings offer far more early copies than any other work in ancient times. |