Colossians Chapter 4
Showing all 18 verses for Colossians Chapter 4.
The People's Bible is written by people, for the people. Each verse below shows:
"Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. "
"Paul tells masters to give their servants what is fair and right, remembering that they themselves have a Master in heaven."
However much power or authority you hold over others, remember you answer to someone too - let that keep you fair rather than self-serving, treating people the way you'd want to be treated by whoever you answer to.
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; "
"Paul tells them to keep devoting themselves to prayer, staying alert in it, and doing so with gratitude."
Don't let prayer become background noise you barely notice - stay genuinely present in it, alert rather than half-asleep, and let gratitude run through it rather than only requests.
"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: "
"Paul asks them to also pray specifically for him and his companions, that God would open a door for their message, so they can speak about the mystery of Christ, the very thing for which Paul is currently imprisoned."
Even the most capable, confident people need others' support and prayer - asking for help isn't a failure, it's honest interdependence. Don't be too proud to ask others to hold you up when you need it.
"That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. "
"Paul asks that he would make the message clear, speaking it in the way he ought to."
Having something important to say isn't enough - ask for the clarity to actually say it well, so it lands the way it's meant to. Communication is a skill worth caring about, not an afterthought.
"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. "
"Paul tells them to conduct themselves wisely towards outsiders, making the most of every opportunity."
How you treat people outside your own circle matters just as much as how you treat those inside it - be thoughtful and wise with the limited time and opportunities you have with everyone you meet.
"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. "
"Paul tells them to let their speech always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so they'll know how to answer everyone appropriately."
Speak kindly, but don't let kindness mean blandness - let your words have real substance and interest, not just polite emptiness. Learn to read each person and situation so your response actually fits them.
"All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: "
"Paul says Tychicus, a dear brother, faithful helper, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell them everything about how Paul is doing."
Don't let big ideas crowd out attention to actual people - take time to name and appreciate those who serve faithfully alongside you, even in ordinary, unglamorous roles like carrying a message.
"Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; "
"Paul says he sent Tychicus for this very purpose - so he could learn how the Colossians are doing and encourage their hearts."
Checking in on someone's actual wellbeing, not just their beliefs or performance, is a real act of care - don't underestimate the value of simply wanting to know how someone's heart is doing.
"With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. "
"Paul says he's sending Tychicus along with Onesimus, a faithful and dear brother who is one of their own, and together they will inform the Colossians of everything happening with Paul."
People can genuinely become something different from what their past defined them as - a runaway can become a trusted brother. Don't let anyone's past label be the last word on who they are now.
"Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) "
"Paul sends greetings from Aristarchus, his fellow prisoner, and from Mark, Barnabas's cousin, about whom the Colossians had already received instructions - if he comes, they should welcome him."
If someone has let you down badly in the past, reconciliation is still possible - people change, and relationships can be genuinely rebuilt rather than permanently written off. Welcome people back rather than holding old failures against them forever.
"And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. "
"Paul also sends greetings from Jesus, known as Justus - these, along with the others named, are his only Jewish co-workers for God's kingdom, and they've been a genuine comfort to him."
It's honest, not weak, to acknowledge when few people have stayed by your side - and it's right to be genuinely grateful for the ones who have. Don't dismiss the comfort of loyal companionship as unimportant just because your work is significant.
"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. "
"Paul sends greetings from Epaphras, one of their own and a servant of Christ, who is always labouring earnestly for them in prayer, that they may stand mature and fully confident in everything God wants."
Praying earnestly for someone else's wholeness is real labour, not a lesser substitute for practical help - don't underestimate how much it matters to genuinely, persistently want someone else's flourishing.
"For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. "
"Paul testifies that Epaphras works hard and cares deeply for the Colossians, and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis."
It's worth publicly vouching for people whose quiet, hard work might otherwise go unnoticed - genuine effort deserves genuine recognition, especially when it isn't seeking the spotlight.
"Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. "
"Paul sends greetings from Luke, the beloved physician, and from Demas."
Not every relationship stays faithful to the end, and that's a real and painful part of life - but it shouldn't stop you from valuing genuine companionship while it lasts, or from continuing to love people even knowing some will eventually walk away.
"Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. "
"Paul tells them to greet the believers in Laodicea, and specifically Nymphas, and the church that meets in his house."
Meaningful community doesn't need impressive buildings or scale - it can happen, and often happens best, in an ordinary home opened up to others. Don't wait for something grand before valuing small, real gatherings.
"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 that once this letter has been read among them, they should also have it read in the church of Laodicea, and that they in turn should read the letter coming to them from Laodicea."
Good teaching isn't meant to be hoarded by one group - share what helps you with others who could benefit too, rather than treating wisdom as private property.
"And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. "
"Paul instructs them to tell Archippus to pay attention to the ministry he has received in the Lord, and to make sure he fulfils it."
Sometimes people need a gentle, public reminder to follow through on something meaningful they've committed to - not shame, but encouragement to finish what they started. Don't be afraid to lovingly hold someone accountable to their own calling.
"The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. "
"Paul closes the letter in his own handwriting: 'This greeting is by my own hand, Paul. Remember my chains. May grace be with you. Amen.'"
Even after everything grand that's been said, what I ask you to remember at the end is simple: don't forget the real cost someone paid to bring you truth, and carry grace with you as you go. Let both compassion for others' sacrifice and generosity towards others be your lasting takeaway.