Colossians 4:4

4 that I may manifest it, as it behoveth me to speak;

Colossians 4:4 Meaning and Commentary

Colossians 4:4

That I may make it manifest
It being a mystery, a secret, which was hid in God from everlasting, and, during the legal dispensation, was wrapped up in types, and shadows, and sacrifices, and is still hidden unto the natural man. Wherefore the apostle was desirous of making it manifest in a ministerial way; for God only, by his Spirit, makes it manifest in a spiritual, experimental, and saving way.

As,
says he,

I ought to speak.
The Arabic version adds, "concerning it", the Gospel, the mystery of Christ. The apostle's meaning is, that he might deliver it with that clearness and evidence, and use that plainness of speech which became the Gospel, and him as a minister of it, and not ambiguous expressions, equivocal phrases, words of double meanings, on purpose to hide things from men, but by manifestation of the truth, to commend himself to every man's conscience in the sight of God. As also to speak it faithfully, declaring the whole counsel of God, keeping back nothing that might be profitable to the churches; and with all constancy and certainty, with all boldness and intrepidity of soul, and freedom of mind; not seeking to please men, aiming at vain glory, and popular applause, or being afraid of their faces, menaces, and reproaches.

Colossians 4:4 In-Context

2 In the prayer continue ye, watching in it in thanksgiving;

3 praying at the same time also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the secret of the Christ, because of which also I have been bound,

4 that I may manifest it, as it behoveth me to speak;

5 in wisdom walk ye toward those without, the time forestalling;

6 your word always in grace -- with salt being seasoned -- to know how it behoveth you to answer each one.