Colossians 4

Colossians 4
Colossians 4
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	A page showing the Greek text of Epistle to the Colossians 4:17-18 (end) on Codex Claromontanus from ca. AD 550.
Book	Epistle to the Colossians
Category	Pauline epistles
Christian Bible part	New Testament
Order in the Christian part	12

Last updated November 03, 2023

Colossians 4 is the fourth (and last) chapter of the Epistle to the Colossians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Traditionally, it is believed to have been written for the churches in Colossae and Laodicea (see Colossians 4:16) by Apostle Paul, with Timothy as his co-author, while he was in prison in Ephesus (years 53–54), although there are debatable claims that it is the work of a secondary imitator, or that it was written in Rome (in the early 60s).^[1] This chapter contains the final exhortations and greetings.^[2]

Text

The original text was written in Koine Greek. This chapter is divided into 18 verses.

Textual witnesses

Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter are:

Papyrus 46 (c. AD 200)
Codex Vaticanus (325-350)
Codex Sinaiticus (330-360)
Codex Alexandrinus (400-440)
Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus (c. 450; complete)
Codex Freerianus (c. 450; extant verses 1–2, 11–13)
Codex Claromontanus (c. 550)

Exhortations for masters

Verse 1

Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.^[3]

Verse 4:1, addressed to "masters", concludes the exhortation to servants in verses 22-25 of the previous chapter.^[4]

Concluding Exhortations (4:2–6)

Verse 6

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.^[5]

"Let your speech be always with grace": that is, "in grace, or concerning grace"; let 'grace', such as 'the work of grace on souls', 'the wonders of grace' and 'the glory of the grace of God', be the subject of conversation among believers.^[6] Moreover, the speech should be in a 'graceful way', that is, "always" with a cheerful face and in a courteous manner.^[6]
"Seasoned with salt": The Syriac version reads, "as if it was seasoned with salt". 'Grace' to 'speech' is as 'salt' to 'meat'; therefore "grace, prudence, and holiness", as 'salt' (Mark 9:50), make conversation about the grace and doctrines of God more acceptable to a spiritual man; and as salt preserves flesh from being bad, so grace along with speech makes it pure and good, which corresponds to Paul's view that nothing corrupt should proceed out of the mouths of believers (Ephesians 4:29).^[6]
"How you ought to answer": The Syriac and Arabic versions render it, "and know ye how" and make it to be a fresh exhortation to the believers to share the spiritual knowledge, that they may be able to respond properly and pertinently, with meekness and fear, for those asking a reason of the hope that is in them.^[6]

Final Greetings (4:7–18)

Ephesus

Laodicea, Hierapolis and Colossae in Phrygia, Western Anatolia (Asia Minor). Ephesus, the capital of the proconsular "Asia" is at the west coast.

In the beginning of the final greetings, Paul introduces the bearers of this epistle – Tychicus and Onesimus – in a 'chiastic pattern' (verses 7–9).^[2] Six men who were with Paul at that time, excluding Timothy (the co-author of this letter), sent their greetings; five of these ('Jesus who is called Justus' is the exception) also sent their greetings to Philemon in a separate epistle.^[7]

Verses 10–11

¹⁰Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), ¹¹and 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.^[8]

"Aristarchus": is known from some references in the Acts of the Apostles (19:29; 20:4; 27:2).^[7]
"Mark": is mentioned multiple times in the New Testament: in Acts 12:12, 25; 15:37–39, and 2 Timothy 4:11.^[7]
"Who are of the circumcision": denoting the "Christians of Jewish origin".^[7]

Verse 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 complete in all the will of God.^[9]

"Epaphras": Paul's co-worker, a native of Colossae.^[10]

Verse 13

For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.^[11]

"Laodicea and ... Hierapolis": two neighboring cities of Colossae in the Lycus valley of Western Anatolia (Asia Minor, now Turkey),^[12] in the land of Phrygia (Acts 2:10).^[13] A population of 11,000 Jewish males is estimated to be in Laodicea in Paul's day, since Antiochus III placed a large colony of Jews in that area in 200 BC.^[14]

Verse 14

Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.^[15]

Only from this verse Luke is known to be a doctor and based on the separation from the Jewish Christians mentioned in verse 11, he is identified as a "Gentile Christian".^[16] It is noted in 2 Timothy 4:10 that Demas has left Paul for "this world".^[16]

Verse 18

This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.^[17]

"By my own hand—Paul": Paul is known to regularly use amanuensis (secretaries) to write his letters (cf. Romans 16:22), so to authenticate these letters, he put his own handwriting in this last paragraph (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:21; Galatians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:17; Philemon 19).^[7]

Related Research Articles

The Epistle to the Colossians is the twelfth book of the New Testament. It was written, according to the text, by Paul the Apostle and Timothy, and addressed to the church in Colossae, a small Phrygian city near Laodicea and approximately 100 miles (160 km) from Ephesus in Asia Minor.

The Epistle to Philemon is one of the books of the Christian New Testament. It is a prison letter, authored by Paul the Apostle, to Philemon, a leader in the Colossian church. It deals with the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. Paul does not identify himself as an apostle with authority, but as "a prisoner of Jesus Christ", calling Timothy "our brother", and addressing Philemon as "fellow labourer" and "brother". Onesimus, a slave that had departed from his master Philemon, was returning with this epistle wherein Paul asked Philemon to receive him as a "brother beloved".

The Epistle to the Laodiceans is a letter of Paul the Apostle, the original existence of which is inferred from an instruction to the congregation in Colossae to send their letter to the believing community in Laodicea, and likewise obtain a copy of the letter "from Laodicea".

And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Onesimus</span> 1st century Christian saint and bishop

Onesimus, also called Onesimus of Byzantium and The Holy Apostle Onesimus in the Eastern Orthodox Church, was probably a slave to Philemon of Colossae, a man of Christian faith. He may also be the same Onesimus named by Ignatius of Antioch as bishop in Ephesus which would put Onesimus's death closer to 95. If so, Onesimus went from slave to brother to bishop.

Jesus Justus was one of several Jewish Christians in the church at Rome mentioned by Paul the Apostle in the greetings at the end of the Epistle to the Colossians 4:11.

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas, and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

Epaphras was an observer of the Apostle Paul mentioned twice in the New Testament epistle of Colossians and once in the New Testament letter to Philemon.

The Laodicean Church was a Christian community established in the ancient city of Laodicea. The church was established in the Apostolic Age, the earliest period of Christianity, and is probably best known for being one of the Seven churches of Asia addressed by name in the Book of Revelation.

Mark the cousin of Barnabas is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, usually identified with John Mark.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ephesians 6</span> Chapter of the New Testament

Ephesians 6 is the sixth chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Traditionally, it is believed to be written by Apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome, but more recently, it is suggested to be written between AD 80 and 100 by another writer using Paul's name and style. This chapter is a part of Paul's exhortation, with the particular section about how Christians should live in their responsibilities as households (5:21–6:9) and in the battle against spiritual forces (6:10–20), with a final benediction to close the epistle (6:21–24).

Acts 20 is the twentieth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles in the Christian New Testament of the Bible. It records the third missionary journey of Paul the Apostle. The book containing this chapter is anonymous, but early Christian tradition uniformly affirmed that Luke the Evangelist composed this book as well as the Gospel of Luke.

Romans 12 is the twelfth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle, while he was in Corinth in the mid-50s AD, with the help of an amanuensis (secretary), Tertius, who adds his own greeting in Romans 16:22.

Ephesians 1 is the first chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Traditionally, it is believed to have been written by Apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome, but more recently, it has been suggested that it was written between AD 80 and 100 by another writer using Paul's name and style. This chapter contains the greeting, followed by a section about "The Blessing of God" and Paul's prayer.

Colossians 1 is the first chapter of the Epistle to the Colossians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Traditionally, it is believed to have been written for the churches in Colossae and Laodicea by Apostle Paul, with Timothy as his co-author, while he was in prison in Ephesus, although there are debatable claims that it is the work of a secondary imitator, or that it was written in Rome. This chapter contains the greeting, thanksgiving and prayer, followed by a "Christological Hymn" and the overall thesis of the letter.

Colossians 2 is the second chapter of the Epistle to the Colossians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Traditionally, it is believed to have been written for the churches in Colossae and Laodicea by Apostle Paul, with Timothy as his co-author, while he was in prison in Ephesus, although there are debatable claims that it is the work of a secondary imitator, or that it was written in Rome. This chapter continues the exposition about the 'Servant of the Mystery' and the warning against errors.

Colossians 3 is the third chapter of the Epistle to the Colossians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Traditionally, it is believed to have been written for the churches in Colossae and Laodicea by Apostle Paul, with Timothy as his co-author, while he was in prison in Ephesus, although there are debatable claims that it is the work of a secondary imitator, or that it was written in Rome. In the previous chapter, Paul has reminded the people that they no longer "belong to the world", but they are to live in intimate union with Christ, and this chapter contains his advice how he wants the Colossians to live.

Philippians 1 is the first chapter of the Epistle to the Philippians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle about mid-50s to early 60s AD and addressed to the Christians in Philippi, written either in Rome or Ephesus. This chapter contains the greeting, thanksgiving, prayer and exhortation as an introduction (overture) to the major narratives in the next chapters.

2 Timothy 1 is the first chapter of the Second Epistle to Timothy in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The letter is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle, the last one written in Rome before his death, addressed to Timothy. Some scholars argue that it is the work of an anonymous follower, after Paul's death in the first century AD. This chapter contains an opening greeting, a personal story of Paul and Timothy, and a description of the opponents they are facing.

2 Timothy 4 is the fourth and final chapter of the Second Epistle to Timothy in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The letter is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle, the last one written in Rome before his death, addressed to Timothy. Some scholars argue that it is the work of an anonymous follower, after Paul's death in the first century AD. This chapter contains intensely personal material, more so than elsewhere in the pastoral epistles, in relation to Paul's imminent death, ending with personal comments and salutations.

Titus 3 is the third and final chapter of the Epistle to Titus in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The letter is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle, sent from Nicopolis of Macedonia, addressed to Titus in Crete. Some scholars argue that it is the work of an anonymous follower, written after Paul's death in the first century AD. This chapter contains the author's instruction for the church as a community with responsibilities in the public realm, towards the government and also towards individuals, concluded with some personal requests for Titus before the final benediction.

References

↑ Murphy-O'Connor 2007, p. 1191–1192.
1 2 Murphy-O'Connor 2007, p. 1197.
↑ Colossians 4:1 NKJV
↑ Moule, H. C. G., Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges: Colossians 4, accessed 17 May 2021
↑ Colossians 4:6 NKJV
1 2 3 4 John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible, - Colossians 4:6
1 2 3 4 5 Murphy-O'Connor 2007, p. 1198.
↑ Colossians 4:10–11 NKJV
↑ Colossians 4:12 NKJV
↑ Moo, Douglas J. (2008). The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. p. 90. ISBN 9781844743414.
↑ Colossians 4:13 NKJV
↑ Bruce 1984, p. 3.
↑ Bruce 1984, p. 13–14.
↑ Witherington 2007, p. 109.
↑ Colossians 4:14 NKJV
1 2 O'Brien 1994, p. 1276.
↑ Colossians 4:18 NKJV

Sources

Bruce, Frederick Fyvie (1984). The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Vol. 10 (revised ed.). Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. ISBN 9780802825100.
Murphy-O'Connor, Jerome (2007). "70. Colossians". In Barton, John; Muddiman, John (eds.). The Oxford Bible Commentary (first (paperback) ed.). Oxford University Press. pp. 1191–1199. ISBN 978-0199277186 . Retrieved February 6, 2019.
O'Brien, Peter T. (1994). "Colossians". In Carson, D. A.; France, R. T.; Motyer, J. A.; Wenham, G. J. (eds.). New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition (4, illustrated, reprint, revised ed.). Inter-Varsity Press. pp. 1260–1276. ISBN 9780851106489.
Witherington, Ben III (2007). The Letters to Philemon, the Colossians, and the Ephesians: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Captivity Epistles. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. ISBN 9780802824882.

External links

Colossians 4 King James Bible - Wikisource
English Translation with Parallel Latin Vulgate
Online Bible at GospelHall.org (ESV, KJV, Darby, American Standard Version, Bible in Basic English)
Multiple bible versions at Bible Gateway (NKJV, NIV, NRSV etc.)

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[FOOTNOTEMurphy-O'Connor20071191–1192-1] Murphy-O'Connor 2007, p. 1191–1192.

[FOOTNOTEMurphy-O'Connor20071197-2] 1 2 Murphy-O'Connor 2007, p. 1197.

[3] Colossians 4:1 NKJV

[4] Moule, H. C. G., Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges: Colossians 4, accessed 17 May 2021

[5] Colossians 4:6 NKJV

[gill_Col4_6-6] 1 2 3 4 John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible, - Colossians 4:6

[FOOTNOTEMurphy-O'Connor20071198-7] 1 2 3 4 5 Murphy-O'Connor 2007, p. 1198.

[8] Colossians 4:10–11 NKJV

[9] Colossians 4:12 NKJV

[10] Moo, Douglas J. (2008). The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. p. 90. ISBN 9781844743414.

[11] Colossians 4:13 NKJV

[FOOTNOTEBruce19843-12] Bruce 1984, p. 3.

[FOOTNOTEBruce198413–14-13] Bruce 1984, p. 13–14.

[FOOTNOTEWitherington2007109-14] Witherington 2007, p. 109.

[15] Colossians 4:14 NKJV

[FOOTNOTEO'Brien19941276-16] 1 2 O'Brien 1994, p. 1276.

[17] Colossians 4:18 NKJV

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