Colossians 4:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Colossians 4:16
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.
Chapter Context
Colossians 4 is a christological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, prayer, love. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Syncretistic philosophy threatened to compromise the sufficiency of Christ.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Colossians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Colossians 4:16
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.
Analysis
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. Paul instructs letter circulation. "When this epistle is read among you" (hotan anagnōsthē par' hymin hē epistolē, ὅταν ἀναγνωσθῇ παρ' ὑμῖν ἡ ἐπιστολή) assumes public reading during church gathering—standard practice before widespread literacy or personal Bible ownership. "Cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans" directs sharing this letter with neighboring congregation.
"That ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea" (kai tēn ek Laodikeia s hina kai hymeis anagnōte, καὶ τὴν ἐκ Λαοδικείας ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς ἀναγνῶτε) mentions another letter, likely Paul's letter to Laodicea (now lost, unless it's Ephesians as some speculate). This mutual exchange ensured both churches received comprehensive apostolic instruction. The practice established precedent for circulating apostolic writings, eventually forming NT canon.
Historical Context
Before printing, documents circulated through copying and personal delivery. Paul's letters were considered authoritative apostolic teaching, worthy of preservation and circulation beyond original recipients (2 Peter 3:15-16). This organic canonization process—churches recognizing, collecting, and circulating apostolic writings—eventually resulted in NT canon. Not all Paul's letters survived; some were lost (1 Corinthians 5:9 references another letter to Corinth).
Reflection
- How seriously do you treat Scripture's public reading—casual routine or encounter with God's authoritative word?
- What modern equivalents of letter circulation spread sound teaching among churches today?
- How can churches today promote theological unity while respecting legitimate diversity, as Paul did through shared letters?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Thessalonians 5:27, 2 Thessalonians 3:14