New Testament
Colossians 4
Overview
The chapter opens by completing the household code: masters are to treat their slaves "justly and fairly," knowing they too have a Master in heaven (4:1). Paul then turns to the church's life before God and the world, urging steadfast, watchful, thankful prayer, and asking specifically that they pray for an open door for the word and for clarity in his own imprisoned proclamation of the mystery of Christ (4:2-4). He counsels wise conduct toward outsiders, redeeming the time, and speech "seasoned with salt" so as to answer each person rightly (4:5-6). The rest of the chapter is a remarkably personal roll call of co-workers: Tychicus and the returning Onesimus will bring news; greetings come from Aristarchus, Mark (Barnabas's cousin), Jesus called Justus, Epaphras (who labors in prayer for them), Luke the beloved physician, and Demas. Paul directs that the letter be read also in Laodicea and exchanged with the letter from there, charges Archippus to fulfill his ministry, and signs the greeting in his own hand: "Remember my chains. Grace be with you."
1Masters, 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.