Colossians 4

Colossians 4:1

Just and equall] Gr. equitie. Though there be a great inequalitie between Masters and servants, in respect of their outward and civill condition; yet there is an equalitie in respect of their spirituall, having both one master. And thus much the Heathen saw by the light of nature; Servi sunt? imo contubernales: servi sunt? imo humiles amiet: servi sunt? imo conservi. Or it is equall for masters to do their office to servants, as well as for servants to do their duty to them.

Colossians 4:2

Continue in prayer] See Luke 18. 1. 1 Thess. 5. 17.

Colossians 4:3

Withall, praying for us, &c.] See Ephesians 6:19. 2 Thess. 3. 1.

door of utterance] He prayeth, not that God would open for him the gate of the prison, but a door of utterance; for he more desired the free passage of the Gospel, then his own enlargement. By the door of utterance is here meant a fair and happy opportunitie of preaching the Gospell, or powerfull assistance, or abilitie of speech, for which David prayeth, Psalme 51. 15.

Colossians 4:5

Walk in wisdome] See Ephesians 5:15. That is, advisedly and circumspectly, that ye neither learn any evill by conversing with them that are without, nor give them any offence at all by your carriage. 1 Corinthians 10. 32.

redeeming the time] See Ephesians 5:16.

Colossians 4:6

with grace] Or, gracious.

seasoned with salt] With dicretion and prudence, that it may well relish in the palate of them that hear you; Marke 9. 51. Or, let your discourse be savory, avoiding all corrupt communication; for by salt the meat is made savory, and preserved from corruption. 1 or. 15. 33. Ephesians 4:29.

answer every man] Whether he be within or without the Church, whether it be to give an account of your faith, 1 Peter 3:15. or to comfort and exhort one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Colossians 4:7

my state shall] Gr. things concerning me shall.

Minister] Or, Deacon.

Colossians 4:8

your estate] Gr. the things that concern you.

Colossians 4:12

labouring] Or, striving.

compleate] Or, filled.

Colossians 4:13

a great zeal for you] Gr. Tec. much labour for you.

Colossians 4:16

cause that it be read, &c.] Laodicea was a neighbour Church to Colosse, and the same false Apostles, who introduced errours among the Colossians (it is very like) set them abroach also at Laodicea, against which the reading of this Epistle in their Church, might serve them as a soveraigne Antidote.

from Laodicea] The Apostle doth not here speak of any Epistle which himself had written to those of Laodicea, as some conceive: exhibiting also a certain Epistle which is yet to be found in divers Latine and Dutch Testaments, intituled, The Epistle of Saint Paul to the Laodiceans; (which Epistle is spurious and Apocryphall) but of an Epistle sent to him from Laodicea, either by the Church, or some Apostolicall men there; in which letter there was a further declaration of the abovesaid errours, or the authors of them, which might also serve the Colossians for further warning and instruction, being compared by them with this present Epistle.

Colossians 4:17

say to Archippus] This Archippus seemeth to be the fellow Minister of Epaphras in this Church, whom the Apostle would have admonished and quickened, because Epaphras being absent, the whole burden lay upon him.