The big picture
The last chapter completes the household instructions and turns toward prayer, speech, and personal news. Paul, the messenger speaking through this letter, remains in chains. He serves Jesus Christ, the Lord whose message he wants to explain clearly. Other workers carry reports between distant groups of believers. Their names show how many people share the work. Churches, the communities gathered around Jesus, will exchange letters and greetings. The closing words hold public teaching beside the practical needs of a prisoner who asks to be remembered.
In this chapter
- Fair Conduct and Gracious Speech Colossians 4:1-6
Paul tells slaveholders to treat enslaved people fairly because they too answer to a Master in heaven.
- Trusted Messengers Carry Personal News Colossians 4:7-9
Two men will help bridge the distance.
- Many Workers Send Their Greetings Colossians 4:10-14
Greetings come from Aristarchus, a fellow prisoner, and Marcus, the nephew of another worker named Barnabas.
- Share the Letter and Remember Paul Colossians 4:15-18
Paul sends greetings to the believers in Laodicea and to Nymphas, whose house hosts a church gathering.
Central truth
Paul joins fair conduct and wise speech to prayer, then shows the network of people carrying news and care between churches.
Scripture beside the summary
Colossians · King James Version · 18Colossians 4:1-6
Fair Conduct and Gracious Speech
Paul tells slaveholders to treat enslaved people fairly because they too answer to a Master in heaven. The command limits their claims to unchecked power, but does not abolish slavery. He next urges steady, alert prayer with thanks. His own request is for a chance to speak clearly about Jesus, even while that work keeps him in chains. Believers should act wisely toward people outside their faith and use each chance well. Their speech should be gracious yet fitting to each hearer. Paul’s image of salt suggests speech with good sense and substance, not empty politeness.
In everyday life
The restaurant owner counts wages into envelopes before the evening service. He corrects a short payment after a dishwasher points it out, then listens instead of brushing her aside. His position does not free him from fair dealing. Modern staff can claim wages and leave; Paul addresses slaveholders who control people denied that freedom.
Notice
Colossians 4:3 Paul asks for an opening to speak, not only an opening in his prison door. His concern remains the clear spread of the message that has brought him chains.
Colossians 4:1-6
King James Version1Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
2Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
3Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
4That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Colossians 4:7-9
Trusted Messengers Carry Personal News
Two men will help bridge the distance. Tychicus, a trusted fellow worker in the Lord, will report Paul’s situation. Paul sends him to learn how the readers are doing and to encourage them. Onesimus, a faithful believer who comes from their own group, travels with him. Paul calls both men beloved rather than treating them as mere couriers. Together they will give a full account of what is happening where he is. Personal news supports the teaching of the letter. The readers will hear from people who have actually shared Paul’s circumstances.
In everyday life
A rural post carrier stops beside a gate with a parcel for an elderly resident. Her relief driver comes from the same village and knows the household. They explain a route change face to face instead of dropping an unread notice through the slot. Paul sends fellow believers to share care and news, not postal instructions.
Notice
Colossians 4:9 Onesimus is described as one of the readers’ own people. That local bond sits beside Paul’s praise of his faithfulness and gives the visit a personal connection.
Colossians 4:7-9
King James Version7All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
8Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
9With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
Colossians 4:10-14
Many Workers Send Their Greetings
Greetings come from Aristarchus, a fellow prisoner, and Marcus, the nephew of another worker named Barnabas. The readers should welcome Marcus if he comes. Jesus called Justus, another worker, also sends greetings; he is distinct from Jesus Christ. These men are Jewish believers, from the people whose inherited law requires the bodily mark of circumcision. They have comforted Paul. Epaphras, a worker from the readers’ own community, prays earnestly for them to stand mature in God’s will. His care also reaches Laodicea and Hierapolis, two other cities. Luke, a doctor loved by Paul, and Demas, another companion, add their greetings.
In everyday life
An observatory assistant reads a shift roster beside the telescope controls. One colleague checks the drive motor, another records the sky, and a third brings food for those staying late. Several names belong to people working at distant sites. Each keeps the shared task going. Paul’s network serves the rule of God, not a research schedule.
Notice
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras serves people far away through sustained prayer. His absence from their city does not make his care passive or remove his concern for their growth.
Colossians 4:10-14
King James Version10Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
11And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
13For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
Colossians 4:15-18
Share the Letter and Remember Paul
Paul sends greetings to the believers in Laodicea and to Nymphas, whose house hosts a church gathering. He asks the readers to pass this letter to the Laodiceans, the believers in that city. They should also read the letter coming from there; its contents are not given here. Archippus, a worker entrusted with service in the Lord, must take care to complete it. Paul then adds a greeting in his own hand. His final request is that they remember his chains. A wish for God’s freely given kindness closes the letter.
In everyday life
The tenants’ secretary carries a shared notice from one stairwell to the next. A neighbour adds a message from the block across the yard, so both groups hear what affects them. She writes her own name beneath the copied sheet before passing it on. Paul’s exchanged letter teaches churches and carries a prisoner’s personal plea.
Notice
Colossians 4:18 The personal handwriting comes with the request to remember his chains. The close brings the imprisoned man back into view after a long list of fellow workers.
Colossians 4:15-18
King James Version15Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
16And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
18The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
Details worth noticing
The opening image
Colossians 4:1 begins with “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.”
Where the chapter turns
Colossians 4:9 forms a natural hinge: “With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.”
The final note
Colossians 4:18 leaves the reader with “The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.”
A word trail through the chapter
The words beloved, Laodicea, read, bonds, brother, Christ help reveal the chapter’s repeated concerns.
KJV words made clear
- epistle
- Written correspondence addressed to a person or group, here a church.
- salutation
- A spoken or written greeting offered at the beginning or end of contact.
- redeeming the time
- Making good use of the chances available rather than wasting them.
Music and video connected to the passage
No exact media match is cataloged for this passage yet. New material can be connected when it becomes available.