Colossians 4:2-6

Further Instructions

2 ¹Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it ²with thanksgiving.

3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may ³open to us a door for the word, ⁴to declare the mystery of Christ, ⁵on account of which I am in prison--

4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

5 ⁶Walk in wisdom toward ⁷outsiders, making the best use of the time.

6 Let your speech always ⁸be gracious, ⁹seasoned with salt, ¹⁰so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Colossians 4:2-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO COLOSSIANS 4

This chapter begins with an exhortation to masters to behave towards their servants in a just and equitable manner, from the consideration of their having a master in heaven, which should have concluded the preceding one; and in it the apostle gives some general exhortations, and some particular instructions about reading this, and another epistle, and stirring up their minister to his duty; and great part of it is taken up in expressing his love to the Colossians, and in the salutations of others, and of himself. The general exhortations are to prayer, with watchfulness and thankfulness, not only for themselves, but especially for the ministers of the Gospel, Col 4:2-4 and next to a wise behaviour towards them that were of the world, Col 4:5 and also to a prudent conversation, particularly in language, with everyone, Col 4:6. And then the apostle proceeds to declare his great affection for them, and care of them, which he showed by sending two proper persons to them from him, partly to make known his affairs to them, and partly to know the state and condition they were in, and comfort them, Col 4:7-9 and next follow the salutations of various persons to them, who are mentioned by name, and whose characters are given, Col 4:10-15. And then he orders them to read this epistle in the church of Laodicea, and also that which came from that place, Col 4:16 and to admonish Archippus to take heed to, and fulfil his ministry, since it was what he had received in the Lord, Col 4:17. And then closes the epistle with his own salutation and benediction, entreating a remembrance of him and his bonds, Col 4:18.

Colossians 4:2-6 In-Context

1 Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison--

4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.

8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,

9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

Cross References

• 1. For ver. 2-4, see Ephesians 6:18-20
• 2. Colossians 2:7
• 3. See Acts 14:27
• 4. See Romans 16:25
• 5. ver. 18; Ephesians 6:20; See Philippians 1:7
• 6. See Ephesians 5:15-17
• 7. See Mark 4:11
• 8. Colossians 3:16
• 9. See Mark 9:50
• 10. 1 Peter 3:15