Kolosser 4:9-17

9 samt Onesimus, dem getreuen und lieben Bruder, welcher von den euren ist. Alles, wie es hier steht, werden sie euch kundtun.

10 Es grüßt euch Aristarchus, mein Mitgefangener, und Markus, der Neffe des Barnabas, über welchen ihr etliche Befehle empfangen habt (so er zu euch kommt, nehmt ihn auf!)

11 und Jesus, der da heißt Just, die aus den Juden sind. Diese sind allein meine Gehilfen am Reich Gottes, die mir ein Trost geworden sind.

12 Es grüßt euch Epaphras, der von den euren ist, ein Knecht Christi, und allezeit ringt für euch mit Gebeten, auf daß ihr bestehet vollkommen und erfüllt mit allem Willen Gottes.

13 Ich gebe ihm Zeugnis, daß er großen Fleiß hat um euch und um die zu Laodizea und zu Hierapolis.

14 Es grüßt euch Lukas, der Arzt, der Geliebte, und Demas.

15 Grüßet die Brüder zu Laodizea und den Nymphas und die Gemeinde in seinem Hause.

16 Und wenn der Brief bei euch gelesen ist, so schafft, daß er auch in der Gemeinde zu Laodizea gelesen werde und daß ihr den von Laodizea lest.

17 Und saget Archippus: Siehe auf das Amt, das du empfangen hast in dem HERRN, daß du es ausrichtest!

Kolosser 4:9-17 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.