Kolosser 4:2-12

2 Beharret im Gebet und wachet in demselben mit Danksagung;
3 und betet zugleich auch für uns, auf daß Gott uns eine Tür des Wortes auftue, um das Geheimnis des Christus zu reden, um deswillen ich auch gebunden bin,
4 auf daß ich es offenbare, wie ich reden soll.
5 Wandelt in Weisheit gegen die, welche draußen sind, die gelegene Zeit auskaufend.
6 Euer Wort sei allezeit in Gnade, mit Salz gewürzt, um zu wissen, wie ihr jedem einzelnen antworten sollt.
7 Alles, was mich angeht, wird euch Tychikus kundtun, der geliebte Bruder und treue Diener und Mitknecht in dem Herrn,
8 den ich eben dieserhalb zu euch gesandt habe, auf daß er eure Umstände erfahre und eure Herzen tröste,
9 mit Onesimus, dem treuen und geliebten Bruder, der von euch ist; sie werden euch alles kundtun, was hier vorgeht.
10 Es grüßt euch Aristarchus, mein Mitgefangener, und Markus, der Neffe des Barnabas, betreffs dessen ihr Befehle erhalten habt (wenn er zu euch kommt, so nehmet ihn auf),
11 und Jesus, genannt Justus, die aus der Beschneidung sind. Diese allein sind Mitarbeiter am Reiche Gottes, die mir ein Trost gewesen sind.
12 Es grüßt euch Epaphras, der von euch ist, ein Knecht Christi Jesu, der allezeit für euch ringt in den Gebeten, auf daß ihr stehet vollkommen und völlig überzeugt in allem Willen Gottes.

Kolosser 4:2-12 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.

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