Colossians 4:1
"Masters, give unto [your] servants that which is just and
equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven."
The reason earthly
masters should give their “servants that which is just and equal”
is that the masters themselves “also have a Master in heaven.” As
they want Him to be just and fair with them, so they must be toward
their servants. See Eph. 6:9.
Paul is reminding
these masters that they have a Master up in heaven, who is watching
the way they deal with their subordinates here. To have a really good
servant, you must be a good, honest master. Give them a job to do,
and when they have done a good job, let them know that you are
pleased with them.
The way we measure
to the people here on the earth is the same way God will measure to
us in heaven. We should never take advantage of someone, just because
they are working for us.
Masters and servants
are brothers, if they are both believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
God is not a respecter of persons. We are all one in Christ. Whatever
position you are filling here on the earth, do it to the best of your
ability. Be kind to all people, and especially those you are over.
Colossians 4:2
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;"
“Continue in
prayer” means “persevere in prayer.” To be courageously
persistent” or “to hold fast and not let go” and refers here to
persistent prayer (Acts 1:14; Rom., 12:12; Eph. 6:18; 1 Thess. 5:17;
Luke 11:5-10; 18:1-8).
“Watch in the
same” means that the Colossians are to be mentally alert and
spiritually sensitive to the needs for which they pray. In the most
general sense this means to stay awake while praying. But Paul has in
mind the broader implication of staying alert for specific needs
about which to pray, rather than being vague and unfocused (Matt.
26:41; Mark 14:38; Luke 21:36).
“With
thanksgiving” signifies that gratitude is the attitude in which
prayer is offered. So the readers are to persevere in prayer with
alert minds and grateful hearts.
We should give God
thanks for everything. Remember, if you are a Christian, the devil
cannot do anything to you that God does not permit. We should grow in
every tribulation that we have. They come to make us strong in the
Lord.
James 5:16 "Confess
[your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may
be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth
much."
Prayer is a
conversation with God. Jesus taught the disciples the way to pray in
what we call the "Lord's Prayer". He told them in this
prayer to reverence the Father. Prayers are prayed to the Father in
the name of Jesus. Jesus opened the way for us to go to the Father,
when the veil covering the holy of holies was torn from the top to
the bottom at the crucifixion of Jesus.
We have power of
attorney to use the name of Jesus. Pray believing that you will
receive your answer. The following verses are some things that Jesus
said about prayer.
John 14:12-14
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the
works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these
shall he do; because I go unto my Father." "And that soever
ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be
glorified in the Son." "If ye shall ask any thing in my
name, I will do [it]."
Notice, all prayer
should be given in the name of Jesus. The power is in His name.
Verses 3-4: The
Colossians are asked to make two prayer requests for Paul and his
associates: (1) that God would grant them opportunities both inside
and outside prison to preach the gospel (verse 3); and that (2) the
evangelists would make the truth “manifest” as they “ought to
speak,” that is, to preach it with courage and clarity.
“Withal praying
also for us” means praying for Paul “together with” the prayer
commanded in verse 2.
Colossians 4:3
"Withal 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:"
“A door”: An
opportunity (1 Cor. 16:8-9; 2 Cor. 2:12).
“The mystery of
Christ”: See 1:26-27; 2:2-3.
Paul is in chains,
when this is written. This does not stop him, however. He has his
door of utterance. Some of Caesar's household was saved. Paul, also,
preached in the home where he was under house arrest. Wherever you
are, God will open a door for you to minister. The only thing you
must do, is say Lord, here am I, send me.
Be willing to
minister wherever you are. Christianity is an individual thing. If
there is just one person there, tell them about Jesus. Paul was in
bonds, because he would not compromise the Word of God. Look how far
his message went, and is still going, in these letters he wrote.
Colossians 4:4
"That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak."
To manifest is to
make real. Paul wanted to make Christianity real to the people he
spoke to. The best way for any of us to minister, is for Christ in us
to minister. Turn yourself, especially your tongue, over to God and
let God minister through you.
Colossians 4:5
"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the
time."
“Them that are
without”: This refers to unbelievers. See Eph., 5:15-16. Believers
are called to so live that they establish the credibility of the
Christian faith and that they make the most of every evangelistic
opportunity.
Paul turns from his
responsibilities for evangelism (verses 3-4) to the Colossians’
evangelistic duties (verses 5-6). They are to “walk in wisdom” or
“live wisely” in their relations toward “them that are
without,” that is, unbelievers.
“Redeeming the
time” is to make the most of every opportunity. They are to seize
each opportunity to display wise behavior toward the unsaved and to
use it as a chance for witnessing.
Our life on this
earth is such a short time, so we must make every minute count.
Walking in wisdom is walking the path that God has chosen for you,
doing the things that God would have you do. This is saying; minister
to everyone the love of Jesus.
There are still
people in the world who have not heard the name of Jesus. Tell them
before it is too late. I talk to church people who have been
Christians for years, and they are still sitting in the congregation
soaking up all the good teaching. That is fine, but there is a lost
world out there that they could be ministering to.
I hear Christians
say, I am not qualified. Find someone who knows less than you do
about God and share with him, or her, what God has shown you. Be wise
and do what you can at whatever level you are. Don't waste precious
time.
Colossians 4:6
"Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that
ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
“With grace”: To
speak what is spiritual, wholesome, fitting, kind, sensitive,
purposeful, complimentary, gentle, truthful, loving, and thoughtful
(see Eph. 4:29-31).
“Seasoned with
salt”: Just as salt not only flavors, but prevents corruption, the
Christians’ speech should act not only as a blessing to others, but
as a purifying influence within the decaying society of the world.
An example of wise
conduct (verse 5) is daily “speech” that is gracious (“with
grace”) in nature. Such speech is to be “seasoned with salt,”
that is, characterized by the wisdom of verse 5. Gracious, wise
conversation will enable the Colossians to know how “to answer
every man” when speaking to him about the gospel.
When teaching others
of the Lord Jesus, we must do it in love and gentleness. Salt is a
preservative. The salt in the teaching must be something that will
help them keep their salvation, after they have received it. The
evangelist, who comes through town, many times gets people saved, but
the pastor of the church applies the preservative.
The sermon the
pastor gives is to help the people live their salvation. They must
grow in Jesus. This salt is truth that helps us grow in grace. Paul
is saying; tell them to seek the power of God in their own lives.
I believe there
should be a time for the new convert in church to ask questions, so
the things puzzling them can be answered. Of course, the best answers
given are when the Holy Spirit answers them through you.
Colossians 4:7
"All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, [who is] a
beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the
Lord:"
“Tychicus … a
beloved brother … a faithful minister and fellow servant in the
Lord”: In describing Tychicus (believed to be the Colossians’
pastor) in such glowing terms, Paul puts his apostolic stamp of
approval on him, so the church will accept his ministry as he deals
with the current heresy.
The name means
“fortuitous” or “fortunate.” He was one of the Gentile
converts Paul took to Jerusalem as a representative of the Gentile
Churches (Acts. 20:4).
He was a reliable
companion of Paul and a capable leader, since he was considered as a
replacement for Titus and Timothy on separate occasions (2 Tim. 4:12;
Titus 3:12). He had the responsibility to deliver Paul’s letters to
the Colossians, the Ephesians (Eph. 6:21), and Philemon (verse 9).
We see that Paul is
sending Tychicus to them. Paul gives him a recommendation, when he
calls him, beloved brother.
“Fellowservant”:
We, also, see in this that he was a capable minister. Perhaps, Paul
had trained Tychicus as he traveled with him.
Colossians 4:8
"Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might
know your estate, and comfort your hearts;"
Paul was very
interested in what became of these Christians, and it appears that
Tychicus was to bring a report back to Paul on their growth in the
Lord. They had desired Paul to come, but since he was in chains, he
sent Tychicus in his place. This showed the loving care of Paul for
these people.
Colossians 4:9
"With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is [one] of
you. They shall make known unto you all things which [are done]
here."
“Onesimus”: The
runaway slave whose return to his master was the basis for Paul’s
letter to Philemon.
“With Onesimus, a
faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you”: This prepares the
Colossians for the return of Onesimus, the runaway slave who stole
from his master Philemon, a prominent member in the Colossian church.
Paul hopes this remark, along with the letter to Philemon, will gain
for Onesimus, a new Christian, forgiveness and acceptance on the part
of the church.
Onesimus was
apparently a native of Colossae and the slave of Philemon. He fled
from and probably robbed Philemon (Philemon 18). During his travels
he reaches Rome, hears the gospel, and is saved.
Paul then writes to
Philemon exhorting him to restore Onesimus, not only as a slave, but
as a brother in Christ. Paul uses this opportunity to teach both the
position (Philemon) and the responsibility (chapter 3) of Christian
slaves.
Jesus had taught
them to send them out by twos. I believe that it was important for
two to go out, so they could have the power of the prayer of
agreement. I still believe that it would be much better, if two
ministers could work together in a church.
Possibly, one of the
reasons it was him going instead of someone else, is the fact that he
knew the country.
Colossians 4:10
"Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus,
sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if
he come unto you, receive him;)"
“Aristarchus”:
The Greek name of a Jewish (verse 11) native of Thessalonica (Acts
20:4; 27:2). He was one of Paul’s companions who was seized by a
rioting mob in Ephesus (Acts 19:29) and also accompanied Paul on his
trip to Jerusalem and his voyage to Rome (Acts 27:2).
Aristarchus was a
Thessalonian. It seems that he had gone to Rome with Paul. Whether he
was in chains, or not, we cannot tell. Perhaps, he was just staying
in the place where Paul was under house arrest. At any rate, he was
with Paul.
“Marcus” will
probably visit the Colossian assembly in the near future. The
Colossians may be hesitant to welcome him, since he once abandoned
Paul on the mission field (Acts 15:36-39). To ensure that this does
not happen, Paul describes Mark as the cousin of Barnabas, a highly
esteemed Christian, and gives the Colossians instructions to receive
him.
This Marcus is the
same one that had caused a division between Paul and Barnabus
earlier. This is the same as John Mark who went with Paul on the
first missionary journey. Sometime during the journey, he left Paul.
It seems that this was several years after that happening (it could
have been about ten years).
Mark, after having
fallen out of favor with Paul for some time, he is seen here as one
of Paul’s key helpers (2 Tim. 4:11).
The mother of John
Mark was thought of very highly in the church in Jerusalem. It is
good to know that Paul forgave him, and even recommends him here.
Paul tells them to receive John Mark, if he comes, as a brother.
Colossians 4:11
"And 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."
“Jesus who is
called Justus”: Possibly one of the Roman Jews who believed Paul’s
message (Acts 28:24).
“Who are of the
circumcision” identifies Aristarchus, Marcus (verse 10), and Justus
as Jewish Christians. Of all Jews converted to Christ, only these
three are known to have been Paul’s fellow workers in the ministry.
The name Jesus was
sometimes Joshua. It seems in this case, it is Justus, however. This
name means just, or righteous. Notice this has to do with the Jews
(of the circumcision). Paul is saying that these are brothers that
are still with him here in Rome.
Colossians 4:12
"Epaphras, 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."
“Epaphras”: The
church at Colosse began during Paul’s 3 year ministry at Ephesus
(Acts 19). Its founder was not Paul, who had never been there (2:1);
but Epaphras (1:5-7), who apparently was saved during a visit to
Ephesus, then likely started the church in Colosse when he returned
home.
“That ye may stand
perfect and complete in all the will of God” means that “you may
appear perfect and fully assured in all His will.” Luke 1:23, 29,
this refers to the Colossians being ushered into God’s heavenly
presence in a morally perfect state. When this someday occurs, their
experience of progressive maturity and assurance will have preceded
it.
“Perfect and
complete”: His goal for the Colossian believers was the same as
Paul’s (1:28 – 2:2).
It appears that
Epaphras was a native of Colosse. It, also, appears that he was
devoted to the work of Christ (servant of Christ). We see that he is
sending greetings to his people in Paul's letter. There is no more
important job in a church than the job of prayer intercessor. Any
church is just as strong as the prayers that are prayed for it.
This is unusual in
that the desire of the prayer is made known here. Paul says, the
desire of the prayers was that they would be in the perfect will of
God.
Colossians 4:13
"For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and
them [that are] in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis."
Tychicus labored not
only in the Colossian assembly, but also in the churches at Laodicea
and Hierapolis. These cities were six miles apart and 12 miles from
Colossae.
Laodicea was the
seventh of the Asian cities addressed in Revelation 2 and 3. It lay
at the junction of east-west and north-south highways and in a
fertile valley. It was located some distance from the other cities of
Revelation, but was close to Colossae, being 11 miles northwest of
that town. See 2:1.
Whereas Colossae was
declining during the New Testament era, Laodicea was prospering and
was noted for its black wool, medicinal powder, and banking. Laodicea
did not possess its own water supply. Rather, water had to be piped
through huge cubical blocks of stone from distant hot springs, and it
arrived lukewarm.
In A.D. 60 the city,
along with the neighboring towns of Colossae and Hierapolis, was
greatly damaged by an earthquake. Of the seven churches of
Revelation, Paul mentions only Ephesus and Laodicea. The church at
Laodicea (like Colossae) was no doubt established by Paul’s
coworkers while he was in Ephesus (Acts 19:10; Col. 2:1).
Paul also mentions a
letter “from Laodicea” (verse 16), which the Colossian church was
to read. This phrase omits of several interpretations, among them:
(1) a letter to Paul from them; (2) a letter written by Paul from
Laodicea (Galatians?); (3) the letter to Philemon who may have lived
in Laodicea; and (4) the epistle known as Ephesians.
The church in
Laodicea is mentioned in Revelation as one of the 7 churches. It
seems they had fallen to a lukewarm condition at that time. It seems
that Epaphrus’ prayers were needed for this church. Perhaps,
Epaphrus was the one who started these churches, or perhaps, he was
an overseer. The Scripture does not say. We do know that he had great
concern for them.
“Hierapolis”: A
city in Phrygia 20 miles west of Colosse and 6 miles north of
Laodicea.
Colossians 4:14
"Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you."
Of all the
individuals mentioned in verse 7-14, only “Demas” is given no
commendation by Paul. Perhaps Paul already senses some glaring flaw
in his character. This verse may well foreshadow 2 Tim. 4:10, where
“Luke, the beloved physician,” has remained loyal to Paul, but
Demas has forsaken him.
Demas was a man who
demonstrated substantial commitment to the Lord’s work before the
attraction of the world led him to abandon Paul and the ministry (2
Tim. 4:9-10; Philemon 24).
“Luke”,
mentioned by name only three times in the New Testament (verse 14; 2
Tim. 4:11; Philemon 24), was nevertheless an important individual in
early church history. Though not identified by name in his writings,
he was the author of the third gospel and Acts for the following
reasons:
(1) The author
places himself with Paul on three occasions in Acts, which are
indicated by the author’s use of “we” instead of “they” and
other third-person references to the group. Of Paul’s companions
only Titus and Luke could have been with him on these occasions. (2)
The author demonstrates knowledge of medicine. Luke was a physician
(verse 14). (3) Early traditions unanimously concur that Luke was the
author of both acts and the third gospel.
Though he was a
Gentile, he authored more of the New Testament than even Paul,
writing over 28 percent of it. Many, including the early church
historian Eusebius, identify Antioch of Syria as Luke’s home, which
might explain why the Book of Acts gives much space to events in that
city.
Luke enters the
narrative of Acts when he joins Paul at Troas during the second
journey (Acts 16:10). He remains with Paul only briefly, because when
Paul leaves Philippi, Luke seemingly stays behind (Acts 16:40). At
the end of Paul’s third journey, five years later, Luke rejoins
Paul as he passes through Philippi (Acts 20:5-6).
Luke later continues
with Paul on his way to Rome and during the two-year imprisonment
(Acts 27, 28); Philemon 23, 24; verses 9-10). Several years later,
after Paul’s re-imprisonment in Rome, Luke supports him to the end
(2 Tim. 4:11). Tradition says that Luke subsequently served the Lord
in Greece until his death at the age of 84.
2 Timothy 4:11 "Only
Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is
profitable to me for the ministry."
Luke and Paul were
good friends. This Demas is, possibly, the one from 2 Timothy that
had forsaken Paul. At any rate, Paul did not give him a
recommendation.
Colossians 4:15
"Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the
church which is in his house."
While Paul greets
all Laodicean Christians, he especially singles out “Nymphas, and
the church which is in his house.” If the church of Laodicea was
too large for any one house, this likely refers to that part of it
meeting in the house of Nymphas. (Church buildings set apart solely
for church activities were not used until much later.)
It appears that
Nymphas was a man, or woman, who had turned his house into a church.
Most Bible scholars believe this Nymphas to be a woman, and not a
man. It really does not matter. The important thing is whoever it
was, he, or she, was devoted to God. This person (male or female) was
a leading member of the Laodicean church.
Colossians 4:16
"And 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."
“When this epistle
is read among you”: This letter was to be publicly read in the
churches in Colossae and in Laodicea.
“Epistle from
Laodicea”: A separate letter from Paul, usually identified as the
epistle to the Ephesians. The oldest manuscripts of Ephesians do not
contain the words “in Ephesus,” indicating that in all likelihood
it was a circular letter intended for several churches in the region.
Tychicus may have delivered Ephesians to the church at Laodicea
first.
This letter is more
of a general nature, and it appears that it should be read in all of
the churches in this area.
Colossians 4:17
"And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast
received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it."
“Archippus”:
Most likely the son of Philemon (Philemon 2). Paul’s message to him
to fulfill his ministry is similar to the exhortation to Timothy (2
Tim. 4:5).
“Take heed to the
ministry” can be interpreted in one of two ways: (1) it is a rebuke
to Archippus for failing to finish his Christian service; or (2) it
may be Paul’s way of informing the Colossian church of his approval
on Archippus’ ministry, and the church was to let him finish it.
It appears from
this, that Archippus had an important job in the church at Laodicea.
Whether he was pastor, we cannot say. It does appear that he has been
discouraged, and Paul is telling him to stay in there and do the work
that God has called him to do. Paul, also, says in this that he was
chosen of God for this job, he had not appointed himself.
Colossians 4:18
"The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace
[be] with you. Amen."
“By the hand of
me”: Paul usually dictated his letters to an amanuensis (recording
secretary), but would often add his own greeting in his own writing
at the end of his letters (1 Cor. 16:21; Gal. 6:11; 2 Thess. 3:17;
Philemon 19).
“Remember my
bonds”: See Phil. 1:16; Heb. 13:3.
This letter, and the
greeting at the end here, were from Paul himself. Paul asks them to
pray for him, remembering that he is still in bonds. Paul always
speaks grace to the one he is writing to. "Amen" means so
be it.
