Colossians 4:1-6·~1 min

Prayerful Speech and Actions

Paul first tells masters to treat slaves justly and fairly because they themselves have a Master in heaven. He then urges the church to continue steadfastly in watchful thanksgiving-filled prayer and to pray for him and his companions that God would open a door for the word and grant clarity in proclaiming the mystery of Christ, for which he is in chains.

M¹asters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven. ²Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, ³as 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. ⁴Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.

Paul tells them to walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time, and to let their speech always be gracious and seasoned with salt so that they may know how to answer everyone.

⁵Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. ⁶Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Section summaryPaul tells masters to act justly and fairly because they too are under a heavenly Master, and then calls the church to devote itself to watchful, thankful prayer. He asks that they pray for an open door and clear speech for the mystery of Christ, and he urges wise conduct toward outsiders together with gracious, well-seasoned speech that knows how to answer each person.

Role in the chapterThis opening section turns the letter outward into prayer and witness. It binds justice, intercession, evangelistic clarity, and everyday conversation together under the Lord's rule.