Colossians 4:4
Colossians 4:4 in Multiple Translations
Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.
That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
So that I may make it clear, as it is right for me to do.
Pray that I may make it as clear as I should when I speak.
That I may vtter it, as it becommeth mee to speake.
that I may manifest it, as it behoveth me to speak;
that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.
That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
That I may make it manifest as I ought to speak.
That is, pray for me that God will enable me to make his message known publicly. I need to do this because I know that I should declare it.
But I still have to tell more people about Jesus. So I want you to ask God to help me make this message clear to them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Colossians 4:4
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Colossians 4:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Colossians 4:4
Study Notes — Colossians 4:4
- Context
- Cross References
- Colossians 4:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Colossians 4:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Colossians 4:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Colossians 4:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Colossians 4:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Colossians 4:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Colossians 4:4
- Cambridge Bible on Colossians 4:4
- Barnes' Notes on Colossians 4:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Colossians 4:4
- Sermons on Colossians 4:4
Context — Prayerful Speech and Actions
4Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.
5Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. 6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 4:1–4 | Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart. Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. |
| 2 | Ephesians 6:20 | for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should. |
| 3 | Colossians 4:6 | Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 3:12 | Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. |
| 5 | Acts 5:29 | But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. |
| 6 | Acts 4:29 | And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, |
| 7 | Matthew 10:26–27 | So do not be afraid of them. For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 2:14–17 | But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one, we are an odor of death and demise; to the other, a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task? For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God. |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 2:4–5 | My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. |
Colossians 4:4 Summary
[This verse is asking for prayer that the gospel will be shared clearly and in a way that honors God. It's like asking for help to say the right words at the right time, so that people will understand and respond to the good news of Jesus Christ (see Romans 10:14-15). By praying for clarity and boldness, we can be confident that God will use us to share the gospel with others. As we pray, we can remember that we are not alone in our efforts to share the gospel, and that God is working through us to bring people to Himself (see Philippians 2:13).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to declare the gospel clearly?
Declaring the gospel clearly means to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ in a way that is easy to understand, as the Apostle Paul writes in Colossians 4:4, and is supported by the idea of being a good steward of the mysteries of God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2.
Why is prayer necessary for clear declaration of the gospel?
Prayer is necessary because it acknowledges our dependence on God for wisdom and boldness in proclaiming the gospel, as seen in Ephesians 6:19-20, where Paul asks for prayer that he may declare the mystery of the gospel with boldness.
How can we apply this verse in our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by praying for ourselves and others to have clarity and boldness in sharing the gospel, and by being mindful of our own witness, as encouraged in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations.
What does it mean to declare the gospel 'as I should'?
Declaring the gospel 'as I should' means to proclaim it in a way that is faithful to the Scriptures and honors God, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:15, where Paul encourages Timothy to be a worker who correctly handles the word of truth.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can pray for myself and others to have clarity and boldness in sharing the gospel?
- How can I ensure that my proclamation of the gospel is faithful to the Scriptures and honors God?
- What are some obstacles that might hinder my ability to declare the gospel clearly, and how can I overcome them?
- How can I balance the need for clarity in proclaiming the gospel with the need for sensitivity to my audience?
- What role does prayer play in my own proclamation of the gospel, and how can I prioritize it in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Colossians 4:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Colossians 4:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Colossians 4:4
Trapp's Commentary on Colossians 4:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Colossians 4:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Colossians 4:4
Cambridge Bible on Colossians 4:4
Barnes' Notes on Colossians 4:4
Whedon's Commentary on Colossians 4:4
Sermons on Colossians 4:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Improving Leadership Effectiveness by J. Oswald Sanders | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of leadership and delegation in various areas of life. He emphasizes the need to delegate work properly in order to avoid a one |
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Don't Give Up by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of not losing heart in the face of struggles and challenges. He refers to the apostle Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4:1 and 4:16, |
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When Even Prayer Seems Impossible by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a living relationship with God rather than just embracing theories about Him. He prays for an explosion of faith in |
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Ambassadors for Christ - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not giving up in various aspects of life. He references Luke 18:1, where Jesus encourages believers to always pray and neve |
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Through the Bible - 2 Corinthians - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the qualities and characteristics of the apostle Paul as a servant of God. He emphasizes that Paul was called by God and had a deep love for |
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The Ministry of the Church - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing suffering in the service of the Lord. The apostle Paul's own experiences of suffering and repro |
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The Ministry of the Church - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal experience of intense suffering in Asia. He emphasizes that suffering is a crucial aspect of ministry and testimony, as it |





