Colossians Chapter 4

4:1 Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven.

Paul used his apostolic authority to warn masters to treat their slaves with justice, because they are protected by the Supreme Master in heaven. Every employer and boss, as well as every employee, will stand before Christ someday.

Exhortation to Pray for the Success of Paul’s Mission

4:2 Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.

The Greek word for "keep alert" is γρηγορέω (graygoreow), a present active participle, meaning to continually stay awake in the night and watch out for the enemy. Paul commanded the Colossians to continually pray and continually watch for the enemy with thanksgiving. God answers every prayer, but sometimes the answer is no.

4:3 At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

Paul was imprisoned for preaching the gospel. He asked the Colossians to pray for open doors so that he could preach the mystery of Christ. A mystery is new revelation that was not recorded in the Old Testament. The Messiah was prophesied, but the exact messianic person was a mystery. The mystery had now been revealed. Jesus was that Messiah predicted by many of the prophets. 

4:4 Pray that I may make it known as I should.

Paul asked for prayer so that he could make Christ known.

4:5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities.

The Colossians had the responsibility of walking in wisdom in front of the unbelieving world. They were not to walk as a foolish child of God. 

When Charismatics make prophecies that do not occur, or speak in tongues that are only gibberish, or claim hearings that never happen, or promise miracles that never happen, then they make themselves look foolish. Outsiders will think they are foolish and will want nothing to do with them or Christianity.

4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.

Salt is pure and penetrating and it keeps food from spoiling. When speaking with unbelievers, the gospel should be taught with kindness and seasoned with salt that is pure and penetrating and preservative.

Personal Greetings and Instructions

4:7 Tychicus, a dear brother, faithful minister, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.

Paul had never been to Colossae or Rome, but in both letters, he had a long list of names that he knew. This shows the power of his ministry. Most of the believers in Colossae were former pagan believers. 

Tychius was the pastor of the church in Ephesus. His name means “fortunate.” He was one of the Gentile converts that Paul took to Jerusalem. He was a companion of Paul and a strong leader, since he was considered as a replacement for Titus and Timothy. He delivered Paul’s letters to the Colossians, the Ephesians, and Philemon.

4:8 I sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your hearts.

Paul sent Tychius to strengthen and encourage the Colossians.

4:9 I sent him with Onesimus, the faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

Onesimus was a run-away slave of Philemon, who lived in Colossae. He had run away from Philemon, but he met Paul during his escape. Paul led him to the Lord and sent him back to Philemon. Paul asked Philemon to release him as slave so that Onesimus could serve Christ. If every slave owner would have followed Paul's advice, slavery would have ended in every culture. 

4:10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him).

This verse shows that Paul wrote this letter from prison. Mark was the cousin of Barnabas and the author of the Book of Mark.

4:11 And Jesus who is called Justus also sends greetings. In terms of Jewish converts, these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

Justus was one of the few Jewish converts inside the church of Colossae.

4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a slave of Christ, greets you. He is always struggling in prayer on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

Epaphras was the pastor in Colossae. He was now in prison with Paul, so he had a new ministry--the ministry of prayer.

4:13 For I can testify that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

These three churches are very close to each other, within ten miles. Epaphras was aggressively active in all three churches.

4:14 Our dear friend Luke the physician and Demas greet you.

Luke is the doctor who wrote the Book of Luke.

In an earlier epistle, Paul called Demas "a fell worker". He does not give him this designation now, because he may not be sure of him. Later on, Demas will forsake Paul. God allows professing believers and agents of Satan into many local churches in order to stir the pot and cause division.

4:15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.

These two cities contained large heathen temples. Laodicea is the seventh church mentioned in the Book of Revelation. God wanted to vomit this professing church out of his mouth. The Laodicean church will be the apostate church that enters the Great Tribulation as a professing church.

4:16 And after you have read this letter, have it read to the church of Laodicea. In turn, read the letter from Laodicea as well.

Paul's letters were copied and circulated around the different churches that Paul founded. The letter from Laodicea was most likely the Epistle to the Ephesians.

4:17 And tell Archippus, “See to it that you complete the ministry you received in the Lord.”

The only thing known about Archippus is that he possessed some spiritual gift that Paul wanted him to use for the Colossian church.

4:18 I, Paul, write this greeting by my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Except for Galatians, Paul dictated most of his letters to scribes. He signed this letter with his own signature. Colossians was a church that Paul never visited, but his ministry had a large affect on the church. He asked the Colossians to remember his imprisonment. He prayed that God's kindness would remain with them.