Colossians 4:1-18 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

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Bible Comments

The true purpose of life for the saints and faithful in Christ is to the maintenance of a twofold relationship- toward God, and toward those who are without. The first is covered by prayer as it includes adoration, confession, and petition. This life must be sedulously cultivated. A necessary element in such a life is watchfulness. Yet such watchfulness is not to be characterized by anxiety, for it is to be "with thanksgiving." Cheerfulness is to mingle with cautiousness. Toward "them that are without" the saint is to walk in wisdom. This again is closely linked with the prayer life. Moreover, the speech of the saint is to be characterized by grace and salt, that is by courteousness, and yet by the qualities which prevent corruption.

The letter closes with references that were local and personal. The references to Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, and Jesus, are characterized by Paul's recognition of their excellences. The one picture that stands out is that of Epaphras. Evidently when the letter was written he was with Paul, and there was striving in prayer for that Church of which really he was a member. In this description of Epaphras we have an insight into his character. He was praying for them that they might "stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God." What greater prayer is it possible for any to offer for loved ones than this, and what greater service can anyone render than thus to strive in prayer on behalf of the loved ones? The final words have in them a touch of pathos. Taking the stylus from the one to whom he had been dictating, he wrote words which indicate at once his sense of limitation and his desire for sympathy, "Remember my bonds."

Related Commentaries of Colossians 4:1

Colossians 4:1-18

1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

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:

4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

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.

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;)

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.

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.

13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

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.

17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. [Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.]