Paul’s Admonishment to the Colossian Believers As they Mature in Christ Colossians 4:1-18
In this last Chapter in Colossians, Paul reminds the Colossian believers to perfect their prayer lives (4:2-4) and their public lives (4:5-6). Paul then shared his concern for perfecting the personal lives of all the Colossian believers (4:7-18). Colossians 4:1-18 may be outlined as follows: I. Believers Maturing in Their Christian Lives – Colossians 4:1-6; II. Paul’s Concluding Remarks to Some Associates – Colossians 4:7-18.
- Believers Maturing in Their Christian Lives – Colossians 4:1-6
In verse 1, Paul admonished masters to be responsible in providing care for their slaves in an equitable way. The masters are to do so because their Master in Heaven treats them in a just way. In order to mature, Paul exhorted the believers to devote themselves to persistent prayer (v. 2). Prayer is very essential to the spiritual health of the believer, much as breathing is to one’s physical health. Believers should also be watchful (spiritually alert) and thankful when praying. Prayer is so essential because of the craftiness of the devil (Ephesians 6:16; I Peter 5:8).
In verses 3-4, Paul requested prayer of the believers so that an opportunity might be given to him to share the gospel clearly to others. Although Paul was in bonds, his aim was to preach the gospel (II Timothy 4:2). In verse 5, Paul further advised the believers to be wise in the way they act. The believers’ walk should be evident even among those outside of the body of Christ. The believers should also take every opportunity to proclaim Christ.
In verse 6, believers’ speech or conversation should always be full of grace and seasoned with salt. In this way, believers could answer everyone who asked “the reason for the hope” (I Peter 3:15) that they had.
- Paul’s Concluding Remarks to Some Associates – Colossians 4:7-18
In verses 7-8, Paul mentions Tychicus as a dear brother and faithful minister and fellow servant. Paul dispatched Tychicus to Colosse to inform the church of his state of affairs in order to encourage the church. Onesimus, a converted runaway slave of Philemon, is referred by Paul as a faithful and dear brother to Paul and the Colossians (v. 9).
Aristarchus, who was from Thessalonica, accompanied Paul on his third missionary campaign (Acts 19:29; 20:4). Mark, a companion of Paul, was with Paul on his first missionary journey (Acts 12:25). Although Mark deserted Paul on the first missionary journey (Acts 15:37-39), Paul did commend him (v. 10). In verse 11, Justus (righteous) was a Jewish companion of Paul. Paul mentioned that Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus were fellow workers for the kingdom of God who provided loyal comfort to Paul.
In verses 12-13, Paul mentioned Epaphras as a servant of Jesus Christ who was always agonizing in prayer for the Colossians. Epaphras also labored hard for all the believers in the Lycas Valley – those in Colosse, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. Luke, a dear friend and physician in verse 14, remained loyal to Paul during his imprisonment. Paul rendered greetings in verse 15 to the brothers at Laodicea and to Nympha in whose house the church met.
Paul admonished that when the Colossian epistle was read in Colosse, that it would also be read in Laodicea (v. 16). Archippus, a suggested son of Philemon, was urged by Paul to complete his ministry work that God had given him (v. 17). Concluding this epistle with his signed greeting, Paul asked the Colossian believers to remember his imprisonment. Paul prayed that the grace of God be with the saints.
May God Bless!
