Colossians 4
Masters and Slaves
1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Righteousness: Ecclesiastes 5:8. Parallel theme: James 2:13, 5:4, Revelation 17:14, 19:16
Devoted to Prayer
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: References Christ: 1 Corinthians 4:1, 2 Corinthians 2:12. References God: Acts 14:27, 2 Timothy 2:9. Prayer: 1 Thessalonians 5:25. Parallel theme: Colossians 1:26, Matthew 13:11, 1 Corinthians 16:9, Ephesians 4:1, Philippians 1:7 +5
4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Parallel theme: Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 6:20
5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Parallel theme: Colossians 3:16, Matthew 10:16, Mark 4:11, Romans 16:19, 1 Thessalonians 4:12, 1 Timothy 3:7, James 1:5, 3:13, 3:17, 1 Peter 3:1 +5
6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Final Greetings and Instructions
7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: Parallel theme: Acts 20:4, 2 Timothy 4:12, Titus 3:12
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 GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally., 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. References Christ: Colossians 1:7, 1:28, Galatians 4:19, Philemon 1:23, 2 Peter 1:1. Prayer: Colossians 1:9, Romans 15:30, Hebrews 5:7. Parallel theme: Colossians 1:22, Romans 15:14 +5
13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. Parallel theme: Colossians 2:1
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. Parallel theme: Philemon 1:24
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. Parallel theme: 1 Thessalonians 5:27, 2 Thessalonians 3:14
17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint., that thou fulfil it. References Lord: Leviticus 10:3, Acts 14:23. Parallel theme: Acts 1:17, 20:28, Ephesians 4:11, 1 Timothy 4:6, 4:16, 6:20, 2 Timothy 2:2, Philemon 1:2 +5
18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. GraceGrace: χάρις (Charis). The Greek charis (χάρις) denotes unmerited divine favor—God's kindness toward the undeserving. Salvation is 'by grace through faith' (Ephesians 2:8), not human merit. be with you. Amen. Grace: Philippians 1:7, 1 Timothy 6:21, 2 Timothy 4:22, Titus 3:15, Hebrews 13:25. References Paul: 1 Corinthians 16:21. Parallel theme: 2 Timothy 1:8, Hebrews 13:3 +3