Colossians 4
BSB1 Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven. 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, 3 as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should. 5 Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here. 10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him. 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God. 13 For I testify about him that he goes to great pains for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings. 15 Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house. 16 After this letter has been read among you, make sure 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 This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Study Notes — Colossians 4
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Colossians 4
- Themes from Colossians 4
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Colossians 4
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Colossians 4 begins with a discussion on masters and slaves, emphasizing the importance of fairness and compassion (Colossians 4:1). The chapter then shifts to a focus on prayer, encouraging believers to devote themselves to prayer and to be watchful and thankful (Colossians 4:2). The apostle Paul also mentions his fellow workers, including Tychicus, Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus, highlighting their roles in the ministry (Colossians 4:7-14). The chapter concludes with greetings and a final warning to Archippus to fulfill his ministry (Colossians 4:17). Throughout the chapter, Paul emphasizes the importance of living out the gospel in all aspects of life, being mindful of our relationships and our witness to the world.
Context for the Chapter
Colossians 4 is the final chapter of the book of Colossians, which was written by the apostle Paul to the church in Colossae. The chapter is part of a larger section that emphasizes the importance of living out the gospel in all aspects of life. The book of Colossians is part of the larger narrative of the New Testament, which emphasizes the importance of faith, hope, and love in the life of a believer.
Heart Application
As we read through Colossians 4, we are reminded of the importance of living out the gospel in all aspects of life. We are to walk in wisdom, be mindful of our witness, and depend on God's power in all things. By applying these principles to our lives, we can fulfill our ministry and bring glory to Christ.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Colossians 4 is about living out the gospel in our relationships, speech, and prayers. We are to walk in wisdom, be mindful of our witness, and depend on God's power in all things. By applying these principles to our lives, we can fulfill our ministry and bring glory to Christ, as seen in Colossians 4:5 and Colossians 4:17.
Voices from the Church
“The gospel is not a mere theory, but a living, breathing reality that is to be lived out in all aspects of life.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Christian life is a life of dependence on God, and it is through prayer that we express our dependence and receive His strength.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Masters and Slaves (Colossians 4:1) — The chapter begins with a discussion on masters and slaves, emphasizing the importance of fairness and compassion.
- Prayer and Watchfulness (Colossians 4:2-4) — The apostle Paul encourages believers to devote themselves to prayer and to be watchful and thankful.
- Fellow Workers (Colossians 4:7-14) — The chapter highlights the importance of fellow workers in the ministry, as seen in the examples of Tychicus, Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus.
- Greetings and Final Warning (Colossians 4:15-17) — The chapter concludes with greetings and a final warning to Archippus to fulfill his ministry.
- Conclusion (Colossians 4:18) — The chapter ends with a final greeting and a blessing from the apostle Paul.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Prayer
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer and being devoted to it, as seen in Colossians 4:2-3.
- The Role of Wisdom
- The chapter highlights the importance of walking in wisdom, especially in interactions with non-believers (Colossians 4:5).
- The Significance of Fellowship
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of fellowship and the role of fellow workers in the ministry (Colossians 4:7-14).
- The Power of God
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of depending on God's power in all things, as seen in Colossians 4:11.
Lessons from Colossians 4
- The Importance of Wisdom — The chapter emphasizes the importance of walking in wisdom, especially in interactions with non-believers (Colossians 4:5).
- The Role of Prayer — The chapter highlights the importance of prayer and being devoted to it, as seen in Colossians 4:2-3.
- The Significance of Fellowship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of fellowship and the role of fellow workers in the ministry (Colossians 4:7-14).
- The Power of God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of depending on God's power in all things, as seen in Colossians 4:11.
- The Importance of Gratitude — The chapter encourages believers to be thankful and to express gratitude to God (Colossians 4:2).
Themes from Colossians 4
- Living Out the Gospel — The chapter emphasizes the importance of living out the gospel in all aspects of life, being mindful of our relationships and our witness to the world.
- The Importance of Prayer — The chapter highlights the importance of prayer and being devoted to it, as seen in Colossians 4:2-3.
- The Role of Wisdom — The chapter emphasizes the importance of walking in wisdom, especially in interactions with non-believers (Colossians 4:5).
- The Significance of Fellowship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of fellowship and the role of fellow workers in the ministry (Colossians 4:7-14).
- The Power of God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of depending on God's power in all things, as seen in Colossians 4:11.
Questions for Meditation
- How can I apply the principle of walking in wisdom to my interactions with non-believers?
- What role does prayer play in my life, and how can I be more devoted to it?
- How can I fulfill my ministry and bring glory to Christ?
- What does it mean to be thankful and to express gratitude to God?
- How can I be more mindful of my witness and live out the gospel in all aspects of life?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Masters and Slaves (Colossians 4:1)
| 4:1 | The chapter begins with a discussion on masters and slaves, emphasizing the importance of fairness and compassion. |
2. Prayer and Watchfulness (Colossians 4:2-4)
| 4:2 | The apostle Paul encourages believers to devote themselves to prayer and to be watchful and thankful. |
| 4:3 | He asks for prayer for himself, that God may open a door for the word to be proclaimed. |
| 4:4 | He also asks for prayer that he may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which he is an ambassador in chains. |
3. Fellow Workers (Colossians 4:7-14)
| 4:7 | The chapter highlights the importance of fellow workers in the ministry, as seen in the example of Tychicus. |
| 4:8 | Tychicus is commended for his service and his love for the brethren. |
| 4:9 | The apostle Paul also mentions Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus, highlighting their roles in the ministry. |
| 4:10 | He asks for prayer for these fellow workers, that they may be a blessing to the church. |
| 4:11 | He also mentions Jesus, who is called Justus, and who is a fellow worker for the kingdom of God. |
| 4:12 | Epaphras is also mentioned, who is a servant of Christ and a faithful minister of the church. |
| 4:13 | The apostle Paul asks for prayer for Epaphras, that he may be strengthened in his ministry. |
| 4:14 | He also mentions Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, who is a fellow worker in the ministry. |
4. Greetings and Final Warning (Colossians 4:15-17)
| 4:15 | The chapter concludes with greetings to the brethren in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church in her house. |
| 4:16 | The apostle Paul asks that the letter be read to the church in Laodicea, and that they also read the letter from Laodicea. |
| 4:17 | He also gives a final warning to Archippus to fulfill his ministry, which he received from the Lord. |
5. Conclusion (Colossians 4:18)
| 4:18 | The chapter ends with a final greeting and a blessing from the apostle Paul, who writes the letter with his own hand. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Colossians 4?
The main theme of Colossians 4 is living out the gospel in all aspects of life, being mindful of our relationships and our witness to the world, as seen in Colossians 4:5 and Colossians 4:17.
What is the significance of prayer in Colossians 4?
Prayer is significant in Colossians 4 because it is a means of depending on God's power and expressing gratitude to Him, as seen in Colossians 4:2-3.
Who are the fellow workers mentioned in Colossians 4?
The fellow workers mentioned in Colossians 4 include Tychicus, Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, and Demas, who are all commended for their service and love for the brethren, as seen in Colossians 4:7-14.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colossians 4:1 → Ephesians 6:5-9 | The discussion on masters and slaves in Colossians 4:1 is similar to the discussion in Ephesians 6:5-9, which emphasizes the importance of fairness and compassion. |
| 2 | Colossians 4:2-3 → Philippians 4:6-7 | The emphasis on prayer in Colossians 4:2-3 is similar to the emphasis in Philippians 4:6-7, which encourages believers to be anxious for nothing, but to pray about everything. |
| 3 | Colossians 4:5 → Matthew 10:16 | The emphasis on wisdom in Colossians 4:5 is similar to the emphasis in Matthew 10:16, which encourages believers to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. |
| 4 | Colossians 4:7-14 → 2 Timothy 4:11 | The mention of fellow workers in Colossians 4:7-14 is similar to the mention in 2 Timothy 4:11, which encourages believers to be faithful in their ministry. |
| 5 | Colossians 4:15-17 → Philemon 1:2 | The greetings in Colossians 4:15-17 are similar to the greetings in Philemon 1:2, which encourages believers to be mindful of their relationships and their witness to the world. |
| 6 | Colossians 4:18 → 2 Thessalonians 3:17 | The final greeting in Colossians 4:18 is similar to the final greeting in 2 Thessalonians 3:17, which encourages believers to be faithful in their ministry and to depend on God's power. |
| 7 | Colossians 4:1 → Leviticus 25:43-55 | The discussion on masters and slaves in Colossians 4:1 is rooted in the Old Testament teachings on fairness and compassion, as seen in Leviticus 25:43-55. |
| 8 | Colossians 4:2-3 → Psalm 55:22 | The emphasis on prayer in Colossians 4:2-3 is rooted in the Old Testament teachings on prayer and dependence on God, as seen in Psalm 55:22. |
| 9 | Colossians 4:5 → Proverbs 10:8 | The emphasis on wisdom in Colossians 4:5 is rooted in the Old Testament teachings on wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 10:8. |
| 10 | Colossians 4:7-14 → Numbers 11:16-30 | The mention of fellow workers in Colossians 4:7-14 is rooted in the Old Testament teachings on leadership and ministry, as seen in Numbers 11:16-30. |
Sermons on Colossians 4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Tame Your Tongue by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taming one's tongue and the dangers of speaking evil. He compares the tongue to a treasure that can bring forth either goo |
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Youth for Christ Ladies by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker describes a situation where 700 prisoners were in great danger and facing punishment due to their fighting. Amidst this chaos, there was a weak and star |
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Interview of Leonard Ravenhill by David Mainse by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill, in an interview with David Mainse, emphasizes the critical need for prayer in ministry, arguing that a lack of prayer life among preachers leads to a spiritually |
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Personal Victory for the New Year by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a verse written by Paul, emphasizing the importance of being watchful as Christians. He highlights that we cannot simply muddle through the |
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Building Up My Brother's House by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of not calling anything that God has cleansed common or unclean. He shares that he has been convicted by the Holy Spirit about the |
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Pray Big and Pray Bold by Sundar Krishnan | This sermon emphasizes the power of intercessory prayer in shaping the future and creating a better world. It explores the concept of spiritual defiance through prayer, believing i |
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"Praying Payson of Portland" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon reflects on the powerful legacy of a praying patient in Portland who dedicated himself to fervent prayer, leaving physical marks on his knees as a testament to his comm |
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The Foremost Proof of Holiness by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his early days of preaching with great zeal but little wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of having both wisdom and fire in one's faith. |
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(Christian Leadership) the Aroma of Christ by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving words of encouragement to our loved ones. He challenges listeners to reflect on whether they are truly living like C |
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Bearing Fruit - Part 7 by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the vital importance of maintaining a consistent and genuine quiet time with God, highlighting how neglecting this time can lead to spiritual downfall and th |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Colossians 4
In Colossians 4, the apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of living out the gospel in all aspects of life. He encourages believers to walk in wisdom, to be mindful of their witness, and to depend on God's power in all things. The chapter highlights the importance of prayer, fellowship, and gratitude, and encourages believers to fulfill their ministry and bring glory to Christ. As Matthew Henry writes, 'The gospel is not a mere theory, but a living, breathing reality that is to be lived out in all aspects of life.' By applying the principles of this chapter to our lives, we can fulfill our ministry and bring glory to Christ, and live in a manner that is pleasing to Him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Prayer
The chapter begins and ends with references to prayer, emphasizing its significance in the life of a believer. This is seen in Colossians 4:2-3 and Colossians 4:12.
The Role of Fellow Workers
The chapter highlights the importance of fellow workers in the ministry, as seen in the examples of Tychicus, Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus (Colossians 4:7-14).
The Emphasis on Wisdom
The chapter emphasizes the importance of walking in wisdom, especially in interactions with non-believers (Colossians 4:5).