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Colossians 4

World English Bible

WEB

1Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. 2Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving, 3praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds, 4that I may reveal it as I ought to speak. 5Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. 7All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord. 8I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here. 10Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received instructions, “if he comes to you, receive him”), 11and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for God’s Kingdom who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me. 12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13For I testify about him that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. 14Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, with Nymphas and the assembly that is in his house. 16When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17Tell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.” 18I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Colossians Chapter 4 serves as the concluding chapter of Paul's letter to the church in #Colossae, emphasizing the importance of prayer, wise conduct, and the role of Christian fellowship. Paul begins by urging the believers to devote themselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. He encourages them to pray for him, that God may open a door for the message of Christ, so that he may proclaim it clearly. This highlights the significance of prayer in the life of a believer and the need for divine assistance in sharing the #Gospel effectively.

The chapter also addresses how Christians should interact with those outside the faith. Paul instructs them to be wise in their actions and to let their conversations be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so they may know how to answer everyone. This call to graciousness and wisdom in communication reflects the heart of the #Christian witness in the world.

Finally, Paul concludes with personal greetings and commendations of fellow workers in the faith, such as #Tychicus and #Onesimus, who are sent to encourage the Colossians. He also mentions #Aristarchus, #Mark, and #Epaphras, highlighting the importance of community and support among believers. This chapter encapsulates the essence of living out one's faith through prayer, wise conduct, and the strength of Christian relationships.

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Referenced by

  1. Proverbs 31:26v6Proverbs 31:26 describes the virtuous woman as speaking with wisdom and kindness, which aligns with Colossians 4:6's exhortation to let speech always be gracious and seasoned with salt.
  2. Acts 14:27v3Acts 14:27 describes how God opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. Similarly, Colossians 4:3 speaks of God opening a door for the word, indicating divine opportunities for spreading the gospel.
  3. 2 Thessalonians 3:1v3Both passages involve a request for prayer that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, indicating the importance of prayer in the mission of spreading the Gospel.
  4. 1 Timothy 3:7v51 Timothy 3:7 highlights the need for an overseer to have a good reputation with outsiders, which is reinforced in Colossians 4:5 where believers are instructed to walk in wisdom toward outsiders.
  5. Philemon 1:10v9Philemon 1:10 refers to Onesimus, whom Paul calls his son, indicating a spiritual relationship. Colossians 4:9 mentions Onesimus as a faithful and beloved brother, showing his transformation and acceptance in the Christian community.
  6. 1 Peter 3:15v61 Peter 3:15 calls believers to always be ready to give a defense for their hope, similar to Colossians 4:6, which encourages believers to let their speech be gracious and seasoned with salt.

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