Colossians 4:1-18 (ESV)
1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. 2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. 7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly
and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
1. Why does verse 1 seem
out of context with the rest of the chapter?
This verse should
have been added to the preceding, to which it properly belongs; and this
chapter should have begun with Colossians 4:2. ACC
The
chapter divisions commonly used today were developed by Stephen Langton, an
Archbishop of Canterbury. Langton put the modern chapter divisions into place
in around A.D. 1227. The Wycliffe English Bible of 1382 was the first Bible to
use this chapter pattern. Since the Wycliffe Bible, nearly all Bible
translations have followed Langton's chapter divisions. http://www.gotquestions.org/divided-Bible-chapters-verses.html#ixzz3bA7Y549M
2. Is Paul endorsing slavery?
Paul does not condone the
Roman system of servitude but instead provides instructions to believing masters and slaves
(or bondservants) regarding their relationship to each other in the Lord. Such
instruction clearly sows the seeds for the
Masters
should remember that they have a Master too. This view should transform how
they regard and treat their slaves. Interestingly throughout history wherever
Christians have constituted a significant segment of the population and have
followed Paul’s directions here, the slave system has died. The principles in
these verses (3:22—4:1) are, of course, applicable to
employer-employee relationships as well. CN
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being
watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us
a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am
in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
3. Exactly what is Paul
asking of the Colossian believers? \
These two words go
together: Pray and watch. They are very important. They remind us of the
experience of Nehemiah. When the enemy tried to stop him from rebuilding the
walls of Jerusalem, he didn’t just throw in the towel and cry out that he
couldn’t do the job. Nor did he simply say, “Well, we’ll make it a matter of
prayer,” and then go on as he had been. No, this is what Nehemiah said: “Nevertheless
we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night,
because of them” (Neh. 4:9). This
is what Paul tells us here: Watch and pray. JVM
a.
Continue earnestly in prayer: Paul supported the Colossian church through His
prayers for them (Col. 1:3-8). Their life and
ministry would continue to prosper through continued vigilance in prayer, including
prayer on their part.
i. The ancient
Greek word translated continue is
"Built on a root meaning 'to be strong,' it always connotes earnest
adherence to a person or thing. In this passage it implies persistence and
fervor." (Vaughan)
ii. This sort
of earnest prayer is important, but does not
come easy. Earnestly in prayer speaks
of great effort steadily applied. "Heaven's gate is not to be stormed by one weapon
but by many. Spare no arrows, Christian. Watch and see that none of the arms in
thy armoury are rusty. Besiege the throne of God with a hundred hands, and look
at the promise with a hundred eyes. You have a great work on hand for you have
to move the arm that moves the world; watch, then, for every means of moving
that arm. See to it that you ply every promise; that you use every argument;
that you wrestle with all might." (Spurgeon)
b. Being vigilant in it with thanksgiving: We are
to be vigilant in prayer, but always
praying with thanksgiving for the great
things God has done.
i. Barclay on vigilant: "Literally the Greek means to be wakeful.
The phrase could well mean that Paul is telling them not to go to sleep when
they pray." Sometimes, because of the tiredness of our body or mind, we
struggle against sleep when we pray. Other times we pray as if we were
asleep, and our prayers simply sound and feel tired and sleepy.
ii. "Prayer should be mingled with
praise. I have heard that in New England after the Puritans had settled there a
long while, they used to have very often a day of humiliation, fasting, and
prayer, till they had so many days of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, that at
last a good senator proposed that they should change it for once, and have a
day of thanksgiving." (Spurgeon)
iii. "The connection
here with thanksgiving may suggest the threefold rhythm: intercession,
'watching' for answers to prayer, and thanksgiving when answers appear."
(Wright)
c. Meanwhile praying also for us: Paul seemed to
say, "As long as we are on the subject of prayer, please pray for us!" But Paul didn't ask for prayer for
his personal needs (which were many), but that God
would open to us a door for the word.
i. The same word picture
of an open door as an open opportunity for the gospel is seen in passages such
as Act. 14:27, 1Co.
16:9, and 2Co. 2:12.
d. As I ought to speak: Even though Paul was in chains for his faithfulness to the gospel, he
knew that he ought to speak it in a way
that would make it manifest (clearly
evident). Paul wanted prayer that he would continue to make the gospel clear
and evident, even if it meant more chains.
i. Robertson comments on
Paul's words, as I ought to speak:
"Wonderful as Paul's preaching was to his hearers and seems to us, he was
never satisfied with it. What preacher can be?" David Guzik’s Commentary
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of
the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so
that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
4. What is the message here?
With respect to his readers’ relationship to unbelievers, Paul counseled the use of wisdom as most important. This involves living life in the light of God’s revelation and then applying this knowledge to specific situations. The Greek word translated “opportunity” (kairos, lit. time) probably implies the opportune time, as it does in some other places. The opportunity in view seems to be the opportunity to bring others into full union with Christ.
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Cor. 5:20-21Paul turned from thinking about his readers’ walk to their talk. The most important thing to keep in mind regarding the Colossians’ own practices involved their speech. Speech most effectively expresses what is inside the believer. The Christian’s speech should mirror the gracious character and conduct of his or her God by demonstrating
love, patience,sacrifice, undeserved favor, etc. CN
We are representing our boss. That sales rep who calls on you is nice to you and buys you lunch because he is representing his company, product, or brand. He always has in the back of his mind that he is not speaking for himself and his job to help you understand how you can’t live without what he is selling. When we speak to unbelievers we should always be aware that this contact might be the only opportunity to see Christ. What impression do you want to leave him with? Do you really want to come across as some churchy, holy than thou, hypocritical, bible thumper?
Paul encourages the Colossians to manifest a powerful and
attractive testimony to non-Christians. seasoned
with salt. This statement echoes the teaching of Jesus when he
called his disciples to be “the salt of the earth” (Matt.
5:13). When applied to conversation, the metaphor suggests
speaking in an interesting, stimulating, and wise way. Paul’s comments assume
that the Colossian believers are vitally involved in the local community and
have ample opportunities to interact with outsiders in a way that would commend the gospel
to them. ESVN
Walk
in wisdom—Act
wisely and prudently in reference to them who are without—who yet continue
unbelieving Gentiles or persecuting Jews.
The
Church of Christ was considered an enclosure; a field, or vineyard, well hedged
or walled. Those who were not members of it, were considered without; i.e. not
under that especial protection and defense which the true followers of Christ
had. This has been since called "The pale of the Church," from palus,
a stake; or, as Dr. Johnson defines it, "A narrow piece of wood, joined
above and below to a rail, to enclose grounds." As to be a Christian was
essential to the salvation of the soul, so to be in the Church of Christ was
essential to the being a Christian; therefore it was concluded that "there
was no salvation out of the pale of the Church." Now this is true in all
places where the doctrines of Christianity are preached; but when one description
of people professing Christianity, with their own peculiar mode of worship and
creed, arrogate to themselves, exclusive of all others, the title of The Church; and then, on the ground of a
maxim which is true in itself, but falsely understood and applied by them,
assert that, as they are The
Church, and there is no Church besides, then you must be one of them, believe
as they believe, and worship as they worship, or you will be infallibly damned;
I say, when this is asserted, every man who feels he has an immortal spirit is
called on to examine the pretensions of such spiritual monopolists. Now, as the
Church of Christ is formed on the foundation of the prophets and apostles,
Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone, the doctrines of this Christian
Church must be sought for in the sacred Scriptures. As to fathers, councils,
and human authorities of all kinds, they are, in this question, lighter than
vanity; the book of God alone must decide. The Church, which has been so hasty
to condemn all others, and, by its own soi disant or self-constituted
authority, to make itself the determiner of the fates of men, dealing out the
mansions of glory to its partisans, and the abodes of endless misery to all
those who are out of its antichristian and inhuman pale; this Church, I say,
has been brought to this standard, and proved by the Scriptures to be fallen
from the faith of God's elect, and to be most awfully and dangerously corrupt;
and to be within its pale, of all others professing Christianity, would be the
most likely means of endangering the final salvation of the soul. Yet even in
it many sincere and upright persons may be found, who, in spirit and practice,
belong to the true Church of Christ. Such persons are to be found of all
religious persuasions, and in all sorts of Christian societies.
Redeeming
the time
Let
your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt—Let it be such as has
a tendency to oppose and preserve from the corruption of sin. The rabbins say:
"He who, in prayer, omits any word, should begin again at the beginning;
for he who does not is like boiled pottage, in which there is no salt."
Berachoth, fol. 34, 1. Let all your conversation be such as may tend to
exemplify and recommend Christianity; let it not only be holy, but wise,
gracious, and intelligent. A harsh method of proposing or defending the
doctrines of Christianity only serves to repel men from those doctrines, and
from the way of salvation. Salt, from its use in preserving food from
corruption, and rendering it both savoury and wholesome, has always been made
the emblem of wisdom. The word has been also used to express in composition or
conversation what is terse, comprehensive, useful, elegant, and impressive. The
term Attic salt has been used to express some of the principal beauties of the
Greek tongue; of such beauties the Gospel of Christ has an endless store. How ye ought to answer every man—That your discourse
may be so judiciously managed, that ye may discern how to treat the prejudices
and meet the objections both of Jews and Gentiles. ACC
5. Who are all these people?
7 Tychicus
will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful
minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may
know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,
Tychicus was a native of
Asia Minor who became a Christian and a member of Paul’s ministry team (Acts 20:4). He will carry this letter (as well as Ephesians and
Philemon;) and bring them news about Paul and his situation. ESVN
Paul
sent Tychicus with this letter for two primary purposes. He wanted to provide
more information about himself and his present ministry than he felt led to
record in this letter. He also wanted to encourage the Colossians. In relation
to all other Christians Tychicus was a beloved brother. In relation to Christ
he was a faithful servant. In relation to Paul he was a fellow-bondslave either
both as a prisoner of Rome and to the will of God, or just to the will of God.
Tychicus’ name occurs five times in association with Paul in the New Testament
(Acts
20:4; Eph. 6:21;Col. 4:7; Titus
3:12; 2 Tim. 4:12). CN
9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother,
who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
“Onesimus” was a slave of
Philemon in Colosse. He had run away from his master, had been led to the Lord
through the ministry of Paul, and was now being sent back to his master by him.
Paul wrote a letter to Philemon when he sent Onesimus back, and he tells
Philemon that Onesimus is his “beloved brother.” You can see from this that
there is a new relationship in Christ. Master and slave are now brothers in
Christ Jesus. JVM
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets
you,
Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner. Aristarchus was of Thessalonica, and is mentioned in Acts 19:29, 20:4, as Paul's companion in his travels.
In Acts 27:2, it is said that he accompanied
him in his voyage to Rome, and from the passage before us it appears that he
was there imprisoned with him. As he held the same sentiments as Paul, and was
united with him in his travels and labours, it was natural that he should be
treated in the same manner. He, together with Gaius, had been seized in the
tumult at Ephesus, and treated with violence; but he adhered to the apostle in
all his troubles, and attended him in all his perils. Nothing further is
certainly known of him, though the Greeks say that he was bishop of Assamea in
Syria, and was beheaded with Paul at Rome, under Nero." Calmet. Barnes' Notes on the New Testament.
and Mark the cousin of
Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you,
welcome him),
Mark is here spoken of as
the cousin of Barnabas. This young man had started out with Paul and
Barnabas in missionary labors. Because of his failure, Paul decided that he
should be left at home, but Barnabas insisted on taking him with him. This
caused a rift between the two older workers. However, it is good to learn that
Mark’s failure was not final, and he is now restored to the confidence of the
beloved Paul. If Mark should visit
Colosse, the saints there are told to welcome him. The expression about
whom you received instructions does not necessarily mean that the
Colossians had previously received instructions concerning Mark. It may refer
to the instructions which Paul is now giving to them: If he comes to you,
welcome him. The tense of the verb received may simply mean that by
the time the Colossians read this Letter, they would have received
instructions. Believers Bible Commentary
Mark is here spoken of as
the cousin of Barnabas. This young man had started out with Paul and
Barnabas in missionary labors. Because of his failure, Paul decided that he
should be left at home, but Barnabas insisted on taking him with him. This
caused a rift between the two older workers. However, it is good to learn that
Mark’s failure was not final, and he is now restored to the confidence of the
beloved Paul.
If
Mark should visit Colosse, the saints there are told to welcome him. The
expression about whom you received instructions does not necessarily
mean that the Colossians had previously received instructions concerning Mark.
It may refer to the instructions which Paul is now giving to them: If he
comes to you, welcome him. The tense of the verb received may simply
mean that by the time the Colossians read this Letter, they would have received
instructions. JVM
11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These
are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of
God, and they have been a comfort to me.
And Jesus which is called Justus. The name Jesus was probably that
which he bore among the Jews. Justus is a Roman name, and was probably that by
which he was known among the Romans. It was not uncommon thus to assume another
name when one went among a foreign people. Comp. Acts 13:9. Who
are of the circumcision. Jews, or Jewish Christians. Nothing more is
knows of Justus. Barnes' Notes on the New Testament.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant
of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers,
that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.
13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.
Epaphras, who is one of you. Probably one of the founders of the church at Colossae. He brought Paul news of the conditions in the church. Always laboring fervently for you in prayers. Strenuous intercession, wrestling with God on their behalf. KJV Bible Commentary
14 Luke
the beloved physician greets you,
Luke is
another here mentioned, whom he calls the beloved physician. This is he
who wrote the Gospel and Acts, and was Paul’s companion. Observe, He was both a
physician and an evangelist. Christ himself both taught and healed, and was the
great physician as well as prophet of the church. He was the beloved physician;
one who recommended himself more than ordinary to the affections of his
friends. Skill in physic is a useful accomplishment in a minister and may be
improved to more extensive usefulness and greater esteem among Christians.
as does Demas.
Demas. Whether this was
written before the second epistle to Timothy or after is not certain. There we
read (2 Tim. 4:10), Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world.
Some have thought that this epistle was written after; and then it is an
evidence that, though Demas forsook Paul, yet he did not forsake Christ; or he
forsook him but for a time, and recovered himself again, and Paul forgave him
and owned him as a brother. But others think more probably that this epistle
was written before the other; this in anno 62, that in 66, and then it is
an evidence how considerable a man Demas was, who yet afterwards revolted. Many
who have made a great figure in profession, and gained a great name among
Christians, have yet shamefully apostatized: They went forth from us,
because they were not of us, 1 Jn. 2:19. Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible
and to Nympha and the
church in her house.
Nympha and the church. A church met in her house,
probably in Laodicea.
16 And when this letter has been read among
you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also
read the letter from Laodicea.
6. What Letters?
When this letter is read among you. This
letter was to be publicly read in the churches in Colossae and in Laodicea. letter
… from Laodicea. A separate letter from Paul, usually identified as the
epistle to the Ephesians. The oldest manuscripts of Ephesians do not contain
the words “in Ephesus,” indicating that in all likelihood it was a circular
letter intended for several churches in the region. Tychicus may have delivered
Ephesians to the church at Laodicea first. MSBN
Archippus seems to have been Philemon’s son (Phile. 2).
Perhaps he was a gifted young man whom Paul wished to encourage. The idea that
he was the present leader of the Colossian church is a possibility that some
commentators have suggested. CN
7. What is special about Paul’s salutation?
Paul normally used a
secretary to write his letters and then added a personal word at the end in his
own handwriting to authenticate his authorship (cf. Rom. 16:22; Gal. 6:11).
Here he requested his readers’ prayers for him in his house arrest in Rome (cf.
vv. 3-4).
Finally he wished that God’s continuing unmerited favor would be their portion
(cf. 1:2).
Why did Paul include so
many personal references to friends and acquaintances in this epistle? Perhaps
he had never visited these Christians and they knew him only by reputation (cf. 2:1). Probably
since he had lived and ministered in Asia Minor for three years he would have
had personal contact with some of the saints in Colosse. Evidently he sent many
personal greetings because he had many friends in Colossae. Paul also sent many
personal greetings to the Christians in Rome though he had not yet visited Rome
when he wrote his epistle to them (cf. Rom. 16). CN
At this point, the apostle took the
pen in his own hand and signed his closing salutation with his
Gentile name Paul. Doubtless as he did so the chains on his hands
proved an inconvenience in writing, but it reminded him to say to the
Colossians: Remember my chains. “The sound of pen and chains together is
the final sign that the preacher’s chains cannot bind the Word of God.” Then he closed the Epistle with the words Grace
be with you. Amen. A. T. Robertson writes: “There is no richer word than
the word ‘grace,’ for it carries in it all of God’s love as seen in the gift of
His Son for us.” Amen. Believer's Bible Commentary
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