Colossians 4
About ColossiansWritten by AI
Colossians is a letter about the fullness of Christ. Paul and Timothy are named as senders, writing to a church in the small city of Colossae that Paul had never visited. It was likely founded by Epaphras, one of their own. Traditionally Paul wrote it from prison around AD 60 to 62, alongside Philemon. Some scholars think a later follower wrote it in his name.
Something was pulling the Colossians toward a mix of rules, special days, visions, and human philosophy, as if Christ were not quite enough. Paul's answer is to show how great Christ is: creator, sustainer, head of the church, the one in whom all the fullness of God dwells.
The first two chapters lift up Christ and expose the false teaching. The last two show what a life raised with Christ looks like, in the heart, the home, and in speech. Watch for the words fullness and fully throughout.
Before you read Colossians 4Written by AI
Paul tells masters to treat their slaves justly and fairly, knowing they too have a Master in heaven. He asks for prayer and urges gracious, wise speech toward outsiders. The letter closes with greetings from a whole circle of coworkers, including Tychicus, Onesimus, Mark, Luke, and Epaphras, a note to share the letter with Laodicea, and Paul's signature in his own hand.
Prayerful Speech and Actions
Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.
Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Greetings from Paul’s Fellow Workers
Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts. With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him. Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God. For I testify about him that he goes to great pains for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings.
Signature and Final Instructions
Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house.
After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.
Remember my chains.
Grace be with you.