It is always fruitful to understand the Bible deeply! This easy-to-understand Colossians 4 commentary with Colossians 4 bible study questions plus free downloadable lessons from Colossians 4 will help you understand Colossians 4 completely.
This Colossians chapter 4 commentary can serve as Colossians chapter 4 bible study, Colossians 4 sermon, or Colossians 4 devotional.
Who wrote Colossians Chapter 4? Apostle Paul wrote the epistle of Colossians and chapter 4. Who was Paul writing to Colossians 4? We know from the previous chapters that the Colossians church had some doctrinal issues inside the church, which Paul addressed and gave instructions. In Colossians 4, Paul gives his final comments.
What is the main message of Colossians 4?
This commentary explains Colossians 4 by dividing it into two main messages.
- Paul’s Instructions for Prayer and Speech (Colossians 4:2-6)
- Paul’s Final Greetings to the Colossians (Colossians 4:7-18)
We’ll discuss each message in detail in this easy-to-understand Colossians 4 commentary bible study.
1. Paul’s Instructions for Prayer and Speech (Colossians 4:2-6)
Paul has given some valuable instructions on prayer and speech that can be applied by all Christians worldwide.
There is so much to learn from Colossians 4:2-6 that discussing each verse in detail would be beneficial.
Colossians 4:2 Commentary
Colossians 4:2 (NKJV) – “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.”
What did Paul ask the Colossians to pray for?
In verse 2, Paul emphasizes three main points.
- Continue to pray earnestly
- Be vigilant IN prayer
- With Thanksgiving
What obstacles to prayer do you find in your life? Earnest prayer should be the daily practice of every Christian. Prayer is a continuous process! It is not a thing that is done once and forgotten. Prayer should be a lifestyle of every Christian.
We can also note that Paul advised the Colossians church to be vigilant in prayer. Christians should not take prayer, and the things said when praying lightly. Prayer must be done according to the word of God and in faith.
Thanksgiving is a huge part of prayer. A Christian life should be a life of gratitude. There is much to be thankful for, even on the worst day. Who else can be an example of this than Paul? He has written this letter from Roman custody and is in chains, yet he is thankful for his life.
Lessons from Colossians 4:2
We can learn three lessons from this passage.
1. Every Christian should continue to pray earnestly daily.
2. Being vigilant IN prayer is of utmost importance.
3. Christians should pray with the attitude of thanksgiving
Colossians 4:3 Meaning
Colossians 4:3 (NKJV) – “meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains.”
What does Colossians chapter 4 verse 3 mean? What was Paul’s request to the believers in Colossae?
From the previous verse, we know that Paul gave a lot of emphasis on prayer. In continuation to his prayer advice, Paul requests the Colossian church to pray for him and the disciples because he knows the power of prayer! He knows that prayer can change everything.
Paul is specifically requesting them to pray for:
- God to open doors for His word to be preached.
- To be able to speak the mystery of Christ, which is (Col 1:25-27 Christ in you the hope of glory)
In continuation to verse 3, Paul says in Colossians 4:4 (NKJV), “that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” Paul requests the Colossian church to pray that he can make the mystery of Christ clear and evident to the people he is sharing with.
Paul dedicated his whole life to Christ and to sharing the mystery of Christ. He wants every believer to be focused on sharing the gospel regardless of the consequences in this world. That is the true love a Christain can have for other people.
Lessons from Colossians 4:3-4
We can learn four lessons from this scripture.
- We should earnestly pray for the Christian leaders for God to open doors in their ministry to reach more people
- We should pray that every Christain should understand and live by the mystery of Christ.
- Christians should focus on sharing the word of God even if it may cause persecution, remembering Paul’s chains.
- Christians should pray that the gospel should reach people in a clear and obvious way.
Colossians 4:5 Meaning and Commentary
Colossians 4:5 (NKJV) – “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”
In continuation to Paul’s request of prayer to speak the gospel, Paul is encouraging the Colossian church to talk about wisdom to the people outside. Again, this is a reminder from Paul to prioritize sharing the gospel.
How can I be a better steward of time, you ask? Take Paul’s advice and take time to speak the gospel’s wisdom to the people you meet regularly. Your family, neighbors, friends, colleagues, or even people in the shopping center.
Lessons from Colossians 4:5
We can learn two important lessons from this passage.
1. Christians should keep aside time to share the gospel with their colleagues, friends, family members, and strangers.
2. Christians should walk in wisdom with the people outside.
Colossians 4:6 Commentary
Colossians 4:6 (NKJV) – “6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
What is the meaning behind Colossians 4 6? Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about the words you speak? Then Colossians 4:6 is the answer! Here Paul is giving instructions about Christian speech.
Paul says Christian speech should be:
- ALWAYS with grace
- Seasoned with salt
- Able to answer the questions of outsiders
Let’s discuss each point further.
What does it mean to let your conversation be full of grace? The dictionary meaning of grace is- courtesy, politeness, manners, etiquette, decency, respect, consideration, etc.
Paul is instructing the Colossian church to speak with consideration, politeness, and decency with unbelievers at all times. Even when what they say or do is not very polite or does not align with biblical truth and wisdom.
Paul advises all Christians to be wise and speak with grace with unbelievers.
What does it mean to let your speech be seasoned with salt? Let’s first understand the meaning of “seasoned.” The dictionary meaning of seasoned is- accustomed to particular conditions. So Paul is saying that Christian speech should be accustomed to specific situations.
Christians should not be blinded to say whatever they think and feel but should be strategic according to their conversation. Also, Paul does not stop there! He further says Christian speech should be “salty.”
What is salty speech? The word “salt” in the Christian context has biblical meaning. What does salt represent spiritually? In the ordinary sense, salt adds taste to food. Spiritually, salt adds taste to life; it gives flavor to life.
Jesus is the flavor of the Christian life. Jesus gives taste and meaning to a Christian. When Christians are flavored with Jesus, their speech will season the flavor of Jesus in their conversations.
Matthew 5:13 (NKJV) says, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
We are the salt of the world, so our lives and conversations should be seasoned with salt. Paul says that when our speech is considerate, wise, and accustomed to the situation, it will make sense to the listener. The listener will listen, they will be receptive to what we say, and we will be able to answer the questions that are thrown at us.
We will be able to answer the questions in a way that will instigate the listener to reflect on the conversation positively. Such wise words from Paul!
Lessons from Colossians 4:6
We can learn four lessons from this passage.
1. As Christians, our speech should be full of grace (considerate, decent) at all times.
2. As Christians, our speech should be seasoned (accustomed to the condition)
3. As Christians, our speech should be salty (flavorsome and give taste)
4. When our speech is full of grace, accustomed to the situation, flavorsome and wise, the listener will listen, and we will be able to answer the questions asked
2. Paul’s Final Greetings to the Colossians (Colossians 4:7-18)
Colossians 4:7-18 (NKJV)– “7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that [b]he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.
10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and [c]complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has a great [d]zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and [e]Nymphas and the church that is in [f]his house.
16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.”
In the final greetings, Paul talks about six people who were with him when he wrote this epistle.
Colossians 4:7 Commentary: Paul introduces Tychicus as his beloved brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant of Christ. Paul informs the Colossian church that Tychicus will be handling this letter to them.
We know from verse 12 that Epapharus would not be handing this letter to the Colossian church, who initially went to Paul and informed the situation of the Colossian church (Colossians 1:7-8).
Paul sends the greetings of Epahrus to the Colossian church, informing them that Epapharus has a great love for them as he fervently prays that the Colossians church stands perfect and complete in the will of God in their lives.
From verse 7, we know that Tychicus was the one who handed Paul’s letters to the Ephesians and Colossians. It is also noted in the book of Timothy that Tychicus was with Paul when Ceaser released him after Paul’s appeal for freedom. Tychicus was with Paul until Paul’s last days and was of excellent service to Paul.
In verse 8, Paul says he is sending Tychicus to listen to their circumstances and encourage the Colossian church. As Christians, it is important to be there for each other and encourage each other during troubling or weak times.
In verse 9, Paul talks about Onesimus. From the background, we know that Onesimus may have been the same person who was a slave of a member of the Colossian church who ran away and got in touch with Paul and became a Christian (Philemon 1:10-16 NKJV)
It is impressive to see how despite the controversy, Paul addresses Onesimus as a faithful and beloved brother. Paul also says that Onesimus is one of them. We can learn from Paul that forgiveness and accepting a fellow believer is a Christian thing to do!
In verse 10, Paul introduces Aristarchus as his fellow prisoner and conveys his greetings to the Colossian church. From the background, Aristarchus was a Macedonian from Thessalonica (Acts 27:2 NKJV). He mostly traveled with Paul and was even forcibly held in Ephesus by the mob along with Paul (Acts 19:29 NKJV).
Paul talks about Mark and addresses him as Barnabas’s cousin. We know from the background that Paul had a rift with Barnabas and Mark; when Mark left without continuing the journey. Barnabas later wanted to take Mark along, but Paul refused; this caused a conflict which led Barnabas and Mark separate from Paul (Acts 13:13 NKJV, Acts 15:37-40 NKJV)
Paul advises the Colossian church to welcome Mark (Barnabas’s cousin). This shows that their conflict was resolved, and all is well with their relationship. This is another example of conflict resolution to learn from Paul. Things can get bitter with fellow Christians, but resolving the conflict and working together as one body in ministry is always good.
In verse 11, Paul conveys Justus’s greetings to the Colossian church and mentions that all these brothers who were Jewish Christians were of great comfort to him.
The fellowship of friends feels so wonderful, especially during hard times. Paul felt privileged to have them with him during hard times. As Christians, it is of utmost importance to be with fellow Christians during hard times.
Paul sends Luke’s and Dema’s greetings to the Colossians church in verse 13. Here we know that the author of the Gospel of Luke and the writer of the Book of Acts was a physician or doctor.
From verses 15-16, we know that Paul also sends greetings to the church of Laodicea and wants this letter to be read to the church at Laodicea. We also understand that another epistle was written to Laodicea, which Paul wanted the Colossians church to read.
But, we do not know which epistle it is as it is not mentioned in the New Testament. A few manuscripts were found, but scholars were not convinced that they sounded like Paul’s wise words.
Laodicea was a neighboring city of Colosea along with Hierapolis (verse 13). Laodicea is also mentioned in Revelation and is considered one of the seven churches of Asia (Revelation 3:14-22 NKJV).
In verse 15, Paul mentions Nymphas in whose house the church met. Whether Nymphas was male or female is still unknown, and many scholars have debated it. Some have concluded Nymphas was female, yet others have considered a male.
The early church met in houses and did not have any church buildings. This reminds us that “we” are the church, and wherever we meet together is called church. It is less of a building and more of “us” meeting to glorify God.
In verse 17, Paul mentions Archippus and informs the Colossian church to tell Archippus to pay attention to the ministry that he received from God. Not only was Archippus to receive the ministry, but he was also responsible for fulfilling it.
According to traditional history, it is considered that Archippus may have been the first bishop of Laodicea. Archippus is also mentioned as a fellow soldier in Philemon 1:2 NKJV. Paul is encouraging Archippus to fulfill the ministry he is called to by God.
As Christians, each one of us has a call for ministry in our unique way. It is on us to receive it from God and be responsible for fulfilling what we are called to do.
In verse 18, Paul ends the letter with his salutation (signed his name) as he tells the Colossian church to remember his chains. Why did Paul say remember my chains in Colossians 4? He tells the Colossians church to remember his chains because sharing the gospel has got him in chains.
It must be hard to be in chains, in custody, and refrained from freedom. However much he went through trying times, he had no regrets; instead, He was grateful that he could make an impact in the world through the gospel.
Yet, we can sense some discomfort in this phrase because he did even know what was to come when he appeared before Caesar. He may even be executed! It is hard to live in uncertainty, yet rejoice in the Lord and continue sharing the gospel. There is SO MUCH to learn from Paul!
Lessons from Colossians 4:7-18
We can learn six lessons from this passage.
- As Christians, we should forgive our fellow brethren and include them as part of the community.
- As Christians, we should be quick to resolve any conflict with the Christian brethren and join together to further the kingdom of God.
- Christians must be there with fellow Christians, encouraging and comforting them.
- We are the church of God and not a church building.
- All Christians have a unique ministry they need to receive from God and be responsible for fulfilling it.
- We can learn from Paul to rejoice in the Lord even in hard times and continue to share the gospel.
Colossians 4 Bible Study Tools
If you want to know more background history about the people mentioned in Colossians chapter 4, you can check out Wikipedia
If you want Colossians 4 Bible Study Questions to reflect on, you can download Colossians 4 bible study pdf.
If you want all the lessons from Colossians 4, you can download Life-Lessons from Colossians 4 pdf.
If you are interested in the Colossians 4 bible study guide, you can get the following helpful Colossians 4 bible study tools.
Colossians 3 Commentary Spurgeon – Commentary on Colossians (Spurgeon Commentary Series)
Colossians 3 Commentary John Macarthur – Colossians and Philemon MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Volume 22
What is your main takeaway from this commentary and bible study? Please comment below.
Also, be sure to Read:
- Book of Colossians Bible Study (Chapter by Chapter Summary)
- Easy to Understand Colossians 1 Commentary with Bible Study Questions (plus Downloadable Life-Lessons)
- Easy to Understand Colossians 2 Commentary with bible Study Questions (plus Downloadable Life-Lessons)
- Easy to Understand Colossians 3 Commentary with Bible Study Questions (plus Downloadable Life-Lessons)
