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Colossians 4

18 verses

TL;DR

Paul concludes his letter with exhortations to masters and servants, intercessory prayer, a list of greetings, and a personal farewell while still imprisoned.

Summary

Paul begins by urging masters to treat servants justly, reminding them of a heavenly master. He then calls for continued prayer and thanksgiving, and intercedes that a door of utterance be opened so he may speak the mystery of Christ, even in his bonds. Paul instructs the Colossian believers to walk in wisdom, speak with grace and salt, and to be prepared for all occasions. He then lists a series of greetings from close associates—Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Marcus, Jesus (Justus), Epaphras, Luke, Demas, Nymphas, and Archippus—each with brief notes about their roles and their purpose in the letter. He reminds the recipients to read his epistle and that of Laodicea in both churches, encouraging mutual edification. Paul concludes with a personal benediction, acknowledging his bonds and offering grace, ending with an affirmation of his own name.

Outline
  1. Exhortations to masters, servants, and believers to pray, be grateful, and conduct themselves with grace
  2. List of greetings from Paul’s fellow workers, noting their relationships and missions
  3. Closing instructions to read the epistles, final benediction, and sign‑off while in prison
Themes
Christian conduct in social relationshipsPrayer and intercession amid persecutionCommunity fellowship and mutual encouragement
Keywords
prayerthanksgivingmystery of ChristgracesaltsalutationmastersservantsbondLaodiceaHierapolis
People
PaulTychicusOnesimusAristarchusMarcusJesus (Justus)EpaphrasLukeDemasNymphasArchippus
Places
ColossaeLaodiceaHierapolis
Things
door of utterancemystery of Christgracesaltsalutationprayerthanksgiving
Key Verses
  • Colossians 4:2: Paul urges continued prayer and thanksgiving, setting the tone for the remainder of the letter.
  • Colossians 4:6: Paul gives specific counsel on speech—grace and salt—highlighting how believers should interact with others.
  • Colossians 4:18: Paul’s personal farewell, acknowledging his imprisonment, brings the letter to a human, emotional close.
Questions
  • How does Paul’s request for masters to treat servants justly reflect the broader gospel ethic?
  • What is the significance of speaking with grace and salt in Christian communication?
  • In what ways do the greetings in this chapter serve the purpose of community building?
  • How does Paul’s imprisonment affect the tone and urgency of his closing remarks?
  • Why might Paul instruct the recipients to read the epistles of both churches to each other?
Sentiment

mixed
Encouraging exhortations and warmth are tempered by Paul’s imprisonment and the gravity of his mission.