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Colossians 4
Haystack bible commentary"Stacks and stacks of commentary...."
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==Colossians 4:1:
Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
==Colossians 4:2:
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Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
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The Hebrew “paga” means “to fell,” or “attack,” but also “meet” or “make supplication.” The Greek was translated as “petition” and “intercession.” Our English word “intercession” is derived from the Latin for “to come between,” which means both “obstruct” and “to interpose on behalf of” someone. Christ stands between us and the Father. That’s why we pray “in Jesus’ name” because it’s by His sacrifice that we are made righteous and can approach the throne of God.
A modern understanding of “intercession” can include “mediation” or “standing up to” someone. This understanding makes God sound like the playground bully. Christ would be the hero, defiant towards an unloving Father, not part of the Trinity fulfilling the Father’s plans for his people. But God is love, and Christ did not defy him. Christ is one with God (John 10:30). Furthermore, mediation suggests compromise or middle ground. However, God is right, and we are sinful. He is Sovereign, we are his creation. We owe him everything and we deserve condemnation, but by his grace we are free. Believers are able, by this gift alone, to bring the needs of other people before God through Christ. -Candice Lucey |
Andy Bannister Files
In Colossians 4, the Apostle Paul wrote these well-known words, encouraging the Christians in Colossae to think about how to reach their friends, neighbours, and community with the gospel: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”
I am struck by the way in this short paragraph Paul so clearly connects three things essential for evangelism: Prayer, opportunity and initiative. Begin with prayer, be devoted in prayer — pray, pray and pray some more. Then in answer to those prayers, look for opportunities to proclaim the gospel and do so clearly. And as you do that, take the initiative and make the most of every one of those opportunities. Having some good questions in your evangelistic toolbox will help you tremendously with that last step.
--Andy Bannister; April 2023
I am struck by the way in this short paragraph Paul so clearly connects three things essential for evangelism: Prayer, opportunity and initiative. Begin with prayer, be devoted in prayer — pray, pray and pray some more. Then in answer to those prayers, look for opportunities to proclaim the gospel and do so clearly. And as you do that, take the initiative and make the most of every one of those opportunities. Having some good questions in your evangelistic toolbox will help you tremendously with that last step.
--Andy Bannister; April 2023
==Colossians 4:3:
meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,
==Colossians 4:4-7:
that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
==Colossians 4:8-11:
I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),
11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.
9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),
11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.
==Colossians 4:12:
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Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God
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Paul tells us of Epaphras, a member of the church in Colosse, who “is always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.” In other words, Epaphras prayed for the people in the church to be spiritually mature, for them to be complete and whole, and also for them to fulfill the will of God. Now that is an example of intercessory prayer; it focuses on fulfilling the ministry and the mission of the church.
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EM Bounds
“Give ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word.” The Revised Version has it, “We will continue steadfastly in prayer.” The implication of the word used here means to be strong, steadfast, to be devoted to, to keep at it with constant care, to make a business out of it. We find the same word in Col. 4:12, and in Romans 12:12, which is translated, “Continuing instant in prayer.” --EM Bounds; The Weapon of Prayer; 1931
==Colossians 4:13:
For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
==Colossians 4:14:
Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.
==Colossians 4:15-17:
Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.
16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
==Colossians 4:18:
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This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen
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In this verse, Paul confirms his authorship, requests that the readers remember his imprisonment for the gospel, and offers a final blessing of grace to them.
"I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand" identifies himself as the writer and adds a personal, handwritten element to the letter, which serves as a signature and a mark of authenticity. "Remember my chains" is a plea for the Colossians to remember his imprisonment and to pray for him. His chains symbolized his dedication to Christ and the advance of the gospel, despite his suffering. "Grace be with you" is a final blessing for God's unmerited favor and blessing to be with the readers. |