Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Colossians » Chapter 4

Colossians 4:1-18 King James Version (KJV)

1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

3 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:

4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

11 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.

12 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.

13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

16 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.

17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

Colossians 4:1-18 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 Masters, G2962 give G3930 unto your servants G1401 that which is just G1342 and G2532 equal; G2471 knowing G1492 that G3754 ye G5210 also G2532 have G2192 a Master G2962 in G1722 heaven. G3772

2 Continue G4342 in prayer, G4335 and watch G1127 in G1722 the same G846 with G1722 thanksgiving; G2169

3 Withal G260 praying G4336 also G2532 for G4012 us, G2257 that G2443 God G2316 would open G455 unto us G2254 a door G2374 of utterance, G3056 to speak G2980 the mystery G3466 of Christ, G5547 for G1223 which G3739 I am G1210 also G2532 in bonds: G1210

4 That G2443 I may make G5319 it G846 manifest, G5319 as G5613 I G3165 ought G1163 to speak. G2980

5 Walk G4043 in G1722 wisdom G4678 toward G4314 them that are without, G1854 redeeming G1805 the time. G2540

6 Let your G5216 speech G3056 be alway G3842 with G1722 grace, G5485 seasoned G741 with salt, G217 that ye may know G1492 how G4459 ye G5209 ought G1163 to answer G611 every G1538 man. G1520

7 All G3956 my G1691 state G2596 shall G1107 Tychicus G5190 declare G1107 unto you, G5213 who is a beloved G27 brother, G80 and G2532 a faithful G4103 minister G1249 and G2532 fellowservant G4889 in G1722 the Lord: G2962

8 Whom G3739 I have sent G3992 unto G4314 you G5209 for G1519 the same G846 purpose, G5124 that G2443 he might know G1097 your G5216 estate, G4012 and G2532 comfort G3870 your G5216 hearts; G2588

9 With G4862 Onesimus, G3682 a faithful G4103 and G2532 beloved G27 brother, G80 who G3739 is G2076 one of G1537 you. G5216 They shall make known G1107 unto you G5213 all things G3956 which G3588 are done here. G5602

10 Aristarchus G708 my G3450 fellowprisoner G4869 saluteth G782 you, G5209 and G2532 Marcus, G3138 sister's son G431 to Barnabas, G921 (touching G4012 whom G3739 ye received G2983 commandments: G1785 if G1437 he come G2064 unto G4314 you, G5209 receive G1209 him;) G846

11 And G2532 Jesus, G2424 which G3588 is called G3004 Justus, G2459 who G3588 are G5607 of G1537 the circumcision. G4061 These G3778 only G3441 are my fellowworkers G4904 unto G1519 the kingdom G932 of God, G2316 which G3748 have been G1096 a comfort G3931 unto me. G3427

12 Epaphras, G1889 who is one of G1537 you, G5216 a servant G1401 of Christ, G5547 saluteth G782 you, G5209 always G3842 labouring fervently G75 for G5228 you G5216 in G1722 prayers, G4335 that G2443 ye may stand G2476 perfect G5046 and G2532 complete G4137 in G1722 all G3956 the will G2307 of God. G2316

13 For G1063 I bear G3140 him G846 record, G3140 that G3754 he hath G2192 a great G4183 zeal G2205 for G5228 you, G5216 and G2532 them that are in G1722 Laodicea, G2993 and G2532 them in G1722 Hierapolis. G2404

14 Luke, G3065 the beloved G27 physician, G2395 and G2532 Demas, G1214 greet G782 you. G5209

15 Salute G782 the brethren G80 which are in G1722 Laodicea, G2993 and G2532 Nymphas, G3564 and G2532 the church G1577 which is in G2596 his G846 house. G3624

16 And G2532 when G3752 this epistle G1992 is read G314 among G3844 you, G5213 cause G4160 that G2443 it be read G314 also G2532 in G1722 the church G1577 of the Laodiceans; G2994 and G2532 that G2443 ye G5210 likewise G2532 read G314 the epistle from G1537 Laodicea. G2993

17 And G2532 say G2036 to Archippus, G751 Take heed G991 to the ministry G1248 which G3739 thou hast received G3880 in G1722 the Lord, G2962 that G2443 thou fulfil G4137 it. G846

18 The salutation G783 by the hand G5495 of me G1699 Paul. G3972 Remember G3421 my G3450 bonds. G1199 Grace G5485 be with G3326 you. G5216 Amen. G281

Colossians 4:1-18 American Standard (ASV)

1 Masters, render unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;

3 withal praying for us also, that God may open unto us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;

4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one.

7 All my affairs shall Tychicus make known unto you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord:

8 whom I have sent you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts;

9 together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things that `are done' here.

10 Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (touching whom ye received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him),

11 and Jesus that is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only `are my' fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God, men that have been a comfort unto me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

13 For I bear him witness, that he hath much labor for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis.

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas salute you.

15 Salute the brethren that are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church that is in their house.

16 And when this epistle hath been read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye also read the epistle from Laodicea.

17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

18 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.

Colossians 4:1-18 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 The masters! that which is righteous and equal to the servants give ye, having known that ye also have a Master in the heavens.

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.

7 All the things concerning me make known to you shall Tychicus -- the beloved brother, and faithful ministrant, and fellow-servant in the Lord --

8 whom I did send unto you for this very thing, that he might know the things concerning you, and might comfort your hearts,

9 with Onesimus the faithful and beloved brother, who is of you; all things to you shall they make known that `are' here.

10 Salute you doth Aristarchus, my fellow-captive, and Marcus, the nephew of Barnabas, (concerning whom ye did receive commands -- if he may come unto you receive him,)

11 and Jesus who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only `are' fellow-workers for the reign of God who did become a comfort to me.

12 Salute you doth Epaphras, who `is' of you, a servant of Christ, always striving for you in the prayers, that ye may stand perfect and made full in all the will of God,

13 for I do testify to him, that he hath much zeal for you, and those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.

14 Salute you doth Lukas, the beloved physician, and Demas;

15 salute ye those in Laodicea -- brethren, and Nymphas, and the assembly in his house;

16 and when the epistle may be read with you, cause that also in the assembly of the Laodiceans it may be read, and the `epistle' from Laodicea that ye also may read;

17 and say to Archippus, `See to the ministration that thou didst receive in the Lord, that thou mayest fulfil it.'

18 The salutation by the hand of me, Paul; remember my bonds; the grace `is' with you. Amen.

Colossians 4:1-18 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 Masters, give to bondmen what is just and fair, knowing that *ye* also have a Master in [the] heavens.

2 Persevere in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving;

3 praying at the same time for us also, that God may open to us a door of the word to speak the mystery of Christ, on account of which also I am bound,

4 to the end that I may make it manifest as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom towards those without, redeeming opportunities.

6 [Let] your word [be] always with grace, seasoned with salt, [so as] to know how ye ought to answer each one.

7 Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-bondman in [the] Lord, will make known to you all that concerns me;

8 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that he might know your state, and that he might encourage your hearts:

9 with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is [one] of you. They shall make known to you everything here.

10 Aristarchus my fellow-captive salutes you, and Mark, Barnabas's cousin, concerning whom ye have received orders, (if he come to you, receive him,)

11 and Jesus called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These [are the] only fellow-workers for the kingdom of God who have been a consolation to me.

12 Epaphras, who is [one] of you, [the] bondman of Christ Jesus, salutes you, always combating earnestly for you in prayers, to the end that ye may stand perfect and complete in all [the] will of God.

13 For I bear him witness that he labours much for you, and them in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

14 Luke, the beloved physician, salutes you, and Demas.

15 Salute the brethren in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly which [is] in his house.

16 And when the letter has been read among you, cause that it be read also in the assembly of Laodiceans, and that *ye* also read that from Laodicea.

17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in [the] Lord, to the end that thou fulfil it.

18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace [be] with you.

Colossians 4:1-18 World English Bible (WEB)

1 Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;

3 praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;

4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

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

7 All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord.

8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,

9 together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here.

10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, "if he comes to you, receive him"),

11 and Jesus who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These are my only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God, men who have been a comfort to me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

13 For I testify about him, that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.

15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house.

16 When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

17 Tell Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it."

18 The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand: remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

Colossians 4:1-18 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 Masters, give your servants what is right and equal, conscious that you have a Master in heaven.

2 Give yourselves to prayer at all times, keeping watch with praise;

3 And making prayer for us, that God may give us an open door for the preaching of the word, the secret of Christ, for which I am now in chains;

4 So that I may make it clear, as it is right for me to do.

5 Be wise in your behaviour to those who are outside, making good use of the time.

6 Let your talk be with grace, mixed with salt, so that you may be able to give an answer to everyone.

7 Tychicus will give you news of all my business: he is a dear brother and true servant and helper in the word;

8 And I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may have news of how we are, and so that he may give your hearts comfort;

9 And with him I have sent Onesimus, the true and well-loved brother, who is one of you. They will give you word of everything which is taking place here.

10 Aristarchus, my brother-prisoner, sends his love to you, and Mark, a relation of Barnabas (about whom you have been given orders: if he comes to you, be kind to him),

11 And Jesus, whose other name is Justus; these are of the circumcision: they are my only brother-workers for the kingdom of God, who have been a comfort to me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his love, ever taking thought for you in his prayers, that you may be complete and fully certain of all the purpose of God.

13 For I give witness of him that he has undergone much trouble for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.

14 Luke, our well-loved medical friend, and Demas, send you their love.

15 Give my love to the brothers in Laodicea and to Nymphas and the church in their house.

16 And when this letter has been made public among you, let the same be done in the church of Laodicea; and see that you have the letter from Laodicea.

17 Say to Archippus, See that you do the work which the Lord has given you to do.

18 I, Paul, give you this word of love in my handwriting. Keep in memory that I am a prisoner. Grace be with you.

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Colossians 4

Commentary on Colossians 4 Matthew Henry Commentary

John Gill   Robert Jamieson: Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible  

Chapter 4

  • I. He continues his account of the duty of masters, from the close of the former chapter (v. 1).
  • II. He exhorts to the duty of prayer (v. 2-4), and to a prudent and decent conduct towards those with whom we converse (v. 5, 6).
  • III. He closes the epistle with the mention of several of his friends, of whom he gives an honourable testimony (v. 7-18).

Col 4:1

The apostle proceeds with the duty of masters to their servants, which might have been joined to the foregoing chapter, and is a part of that discourse. Here observe,

  • 1. Justice is required of them: Give unto your servants that which is just and equal (v. 1), not only strict justice, but equity and kindness. Be faithful to your promises to them, and perform your agreements; not defrauding them of their dues, nor keeping back by fraud the hire of the labourers, Jam. 5:4. Require no more of them than they are able to perform; and do not lay unreasonable burdens upon them, and beyond their strength. Provide for them what is fit, supply proper food and physic, and allow them such liberties as may fit them the better for cheerful service and make it the easier to them, and this though they be employed in the meanest and lowest offices, and of another country and a different religion from yourselves.
  • 2. A good reason for this regard: "Knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. You who are masters of others have a Master yourself, and are servants of another Lord. You are not lords of yourselves, and are accountable to one above you. Deal with your servants as you expect God should deal with you, and as those who believe they must give an account. You are both servants of the same Lord in the different relations in which you stand, and are equally accountable to him at last. Knowing that your Master also is in heaven, neither is there respect of persons with him,' Eph. 6:9.

Col 4:2-4

If this be considered as connected with the foregoing verse, then we may observe that it is part of the duty which masters owe their servants to pray with them, and to pray daily with them, or continue in prayer. They must not only do justly and kindly by them, but act a Christian and religious part, and be concerned for their souls as well as their bodies: "As parts of your charge, and under your influence, be concerned for the blessing of God upon them, as well as the success of your affairs in their hands.' And this is the duty of every one-to continue in prayer. "Keep up your constant times of prayer, without being diverted from it by other business; keep your hearts close to the duty, without wandering or deadness, and even to the end of it: Watching the same.' Christians should lay hold of all opportunities for prayer, and choose the fittest seasons, which are least liable to disturbance from other things, and keep their minds lively in the duty, and in suitable frames.-With thanksgiving, or solemn acknowledgment of the mercies received. Thanksgiving must have a part in every prayer.-Withal praying also for us, v. 3. The people must pray particularly for their ministers, and bear them upon their hearts at all times at the throne of grace. As if he had said, "Do not forget us, whenever you pray for yourselves,' Eph. 6:19; 1 Th. 5:25; Heb. 13:18. That God would open to us a door of utterance, that is, either afford opportunity to preach the gospel (so he says, a great door and effectual is opened to me, 1 Co. 16:9), or else give me ability and courage, and enable me with freedom and faithfulness; so Eph. 6:19, And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; that is, either the deepest doctrines of the gospel with plainness, of which Christ is the principal subject (he calls it the mystery of the gospel, Eph. 6:19), or else he means the preaching of the gospel to the Gentile world, which he calls the mystery hidden from ages (ch. 1:26) and the mystery of Christ, Eph. 3:4. For this he was now in bonds. He was a prisoner at Rome, by the violent opposition of the malicious Jews. He would have them pray for him, that he might not be discouraged in his work, nor driven from it by his sufferings: "That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak, v. 4. That I may make this mystery known to those who have not heard of it, and make it plain to their understanding, in such a manner as I ought to do.' He had been particular in telling them what he prayed for on their behalf, ch. 1. Here he tells them particularly what he would have them pray for on his behalf. Paul knew as well as any man how to speak; and yet he begged their prayers for him, that he might be taught to speak. The best and most eminent Christians need the prayers of meaner Christians, and are not above asking them. The chief speakers need prayer, that God would give them a door of utterance, and that they may speak as they ought to speak.

Col 4:5-6

The apostle exhorts them further to a prudent and decent conduct towards all those with whom they conversed, towards the heathen world, or those out of the Christian church among whom they lived (v. 5): Walk in wisdom towards those who are without. Be careful, in all your converse with them, to get no hurt by them, or contract any of their customs; for evil communications corrupt good manners; and to do not hurt to them, or increase their prejudices against religion, and give them an occasion of dislike. Yea, do them all the good you can, and by all the fittest means and in the proper seasons recommend religion to them.-Redeeming the time; that is, either "improving every opportunity of doing them good, and making the best use of your time in proper duty' (diligence in redeeming time very much recommends religion to the good opinion of others), or else "walking cautiously and with circumspections, to give them no advantage against you, nor expose yourselves to their malice and ill-will,' Eph. 5:15, 16. Walk circumspectly, redeeming the time, because the days are evil, that is, dangerous, or times of trouble and suffering. And towards others, or those who are within as well as those who are without, "Let your speech be always with grace, v. 6. Let all your discourse be as becomes Christians, suitable to your profession-savoury, discreet, seasonable.' Though it be not always of grace, it must be always with grace; and, though the matter of our discourse be that which is common, yet there must be an air of piety upon it and it must be in a Christian manner seasoned with salt. Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, makes it savoury, and keeps it from corrupting. That you may know how to answer every man. One answer is proper for one man, and another for another man Prov. 26:4, 5. We have need of a great deal of wisdom and grace to give proper answers to every man, particularly in answering the questions and objections of adversaries against our religion, giving the reasons of our faith, and showing the unreasonableness of their exceptions and cavils to the best advantage for our cause and least prejudice to ourselves. Be ready always to give an answer to every man who asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear, 1 Pt. 3:15.

Col 4:7-18

In the close of this epistle the apostle does several of his friends the honour to leave their names upon record, with some testimony of his respect, which will be spoken of wherever the gospel comes, and last to the end of the world.

  • I. Concerning Tychicus, v. 7. By him this epistle was sent; and he does not give them an account in writing of his present state, because Tychicus would do it by word of mouth more fully and particularly. He knew they would be glad to hear how it fared with him. The churches cannot but be concerned for good ministers and desirous to know their state. He gives him this character, A beloved brother and faithful minister. Paul, though a great apostle, owns a faithful minister for a brother and a beloved brother. Faithfulness in any one is truly lovely, and renders him worthy our affection and esteem. And a fellow-servant in the Lord. Ministers are servants to Christ, and fellow-servants to one another. They have one Lord, though they have different stations and capacities of service. Observe, It adds much to the beauty and strength of the gospel ministry when ministers are thus loving and condescending one to another, and by all just means support and advance one another's reputation. Paul sent him not only to tell them of his affairs, but to bring him an account of theirs: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts, v. 8. He was willing to hear from them as they could be to hear from him, and thought himself as much obliged to sympathize with them as he thought them obliged to sympathize with him. It is a great comfort, under the troubles and difficulties of life, to have the mutual concern of fellow-christians.
  • II. Concerning Onesimus (v. 9): With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. He was sent back from Rome along with Tychicus. This was he whom Paul had begotten in his bonds, Philem. 10. He had been servant to Philemon, and was a member, if not a minister, of their church. He was converted at Rome, whither he had fled from his master's service; and was now sent back, it is probable, with the epistle to Philemon, to introduce him again into his master's family. Observe, Though he was a poor servant, and had been a bad man, yet, being now a convert, Paul calls him a faithful and beloved brother. The meanest circumstance of life, and greatest wickedness of former life, make no difference in the spiritual relation among sincere Christians: they partake of the same privileges, and are entitles to the same regards. The righteousness of God by faith of Jesus Christ is unto all and upon all those that believe; for there is no difference (Rom. 3:22): and there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither bond nor free, for you are all one in Christ Jesus, Gal. 3:28. Perhaps this was some time after he was converted and sent back to Philemon, and by this time he had entered into the ministry, because Paul calls him a brother.
  • III. Aristarchus, a fellow-prisoner. Those who join in services and sufferings should be thereby engaged to one another in holy love. Paul had a particular affection for his fellow-servants and his fellow-prisoners.
  • IV. Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas. This is supposed to be the same who wrote the gospel which bears his name. If he come unto you receive him. Paul had a quarrel with Barnabas upon the account of this Mark, who was his nephew, and thought not good to take him with them, because he departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work, Acts 15:38. He would not take Mark with him, but took Silas, because Mark had deserted them; and yet Paul is not only reconciled to him himself, but recommends him to the respect of the churches, and gives a great example of a truly Christian forgiving spirit. If men have been guilty of a fault, it must not be always remembered against them. We must forget as well as forgive. If a man be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, Gal. 6:1.
  • V. Here is one who is called Jesus, which is the Greek name for the Hebrew Joshua. If Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterwards have spoken of another day, Heb. 4:8. Who is called Justus. It is probable that he changed his name for that of Justus, in honour to the name of the Redeemer. Or else Jesus was his Jewish name, for he was of the circumcision; and Justus his Roman or Latin name. These are my fellow-labourers unto the kingdom of God, who have been a comfort unto me. Observe, What comfort the apostle had in the communion of saints and ministers! One is his fellow-servant, another his fellow-prisoner, and all his fellow-workers, who were working out their own salvation and endeavouring to promote the salvation of others. Good ministers take great comfort in those who are their fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God. Their friendship and converse together are a great refreshment under the sufferings and difficulties in their way.
  • VI. Epaphras (v. 12), the same with Epaphroditus. He is one of you, one of your church; he salutes you, or sends his service to you, and his best affections and wishes. Always labouring fervently for you in prayers. Epaphras had learned of Paul to be much in prayer for his friends. Observe,
    • 1. In what manner he prayed for them. He laboured in prayer, laboured fervently, and always laboured fervently for them. Those who would succeed in prayer must take pains in prayer; and we must be earnest in prayer, not only for ourselves, but for others also. It is the effectual fervent prayer which is the prevailing prayer, and availeth much (Jam. 5:16), and Elias prayed earnestly that it might not rain, v. 17.
    • 2. What is the matter of this prayer: That you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Observe, To stand perfect and complete in the will of God is what we should earnestly desire both for ourselves and others. We must stand complete in all the will of God; in the will of his precepts by a universal obedience, and in the will of his providence by a cheerful submission to it: and we stand perfect and complete in both by constancy and perseverance unto the end. The apostle was witness for Epaphras that he had a great zeal for them: "I bear him record; I can testify for him that he has a great concern for you, and that all he does for you proceeds from a warm desire for your good.' And his zeal extended to all about them: to those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. He had a great concern for the Christian interest in the neighbouring places, as well as among them.
  • VII. Luke is another here mentioned, whom he calls the beloved physician. This is he who wrote the Gospel and Acts, and was Paul's companion. Observe, He was both a physician and an evangelist. Christ himself both taught and healed, and was the great physician as well as prophet of the church. He was the beloved physician; one who recommended himself more than ordinary to the affections of his friends. Skill in physic is a useful accomplishment in a minister and may be improved to more extensive usefulness and greater esteem among Christians.
  • VIII. Demas. Whether this was written before the second epistle to Timothy or after is not certain. There we read (2 Tim. 4:10), Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world. Some have thought that this epistle was written after; and then it is an evidence that, though Demas forsook Paul, yet he did not forsake Christ; or he forsook him but for a time, and recovered himself again, and Paul forgave him and owned him as a brother. But others think more probably that this epistle was written before the other; this in anno 62, that in 66, and then it is an evidence how considerable a man Demas was, who yet afterwards revolted. Many who have made a great figure in profession, and gained a great name among Christians, have yet shamefully apostatized: They went forth from us, because they were not of us, 1 Jn. 2:19.
  • IX. The brethren in Laodicea are here mentioned, as living in the neighbourhood of Colosse: and Paul sends salutations to them, and orders that this epistle should be read in the church of the Laodiceans (v. 16), that a copy of it should be sent thither, to be read publicly in their congregation. And some think Paul sent another epistle at this time to Laodicea, and ordered them to send for that from Laodicea, and read it in their church: And that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. If so, that epistle is now lost, and did not belong to the canon; for all the epistles which the apostles ever wrote were not preserved, any more than the words and actions of our blessed Lord. There are many other things which Jesus did, which if they should be written every one, I suppose the world itself could not contain the books which would be written, Jn. 21:25. But some think it was the epistle to the Ephesians, which is still extant.
  • X. Nymphas is mentioned (v. 15) as one who lived at Colosse, and had a church in his house; that is, either a religious family, where the several parts of worship were daily performed; or some part of the congregation met there, when they had no public places of worship allowed, and they were forced to assemble in private houses for fear of their enemies. The disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews (Jn. 20:19), and the apostle preached in his own lodging and hired house, Acts 28:23, 30. In the former sense it showed his exemplary piety; in the latter his zeal and public spirit.
  • XI. Concerning Archippus, who was one of their ministers at Colosse. They are bidden to admonish him to mind his work as a minister, to take heed to it, and to fulfil it-to be diligent and careful of all the parts of it, and to persevere in it unto the end. They must attend to the main design of their ministry, without troubling themselves or the people with things foreign to it, or of less moment. Observe,
    • (1.) The ministry we have received is a great honour; for it is received in the Lord, and is by his appointment and command.
    • (2.) Those who have received it must fulfil it, or do the full duty of it. Those betray their trust, and will have a sad account at last, who do this work of the Lord negligently.
    • (3.) The people may put their ministers in mind of their duty, and excite them to it: Say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry, though no doubt with decency and respect, not from pride and conceit.
  • XII. Concerning himself (v. 18): The salutation of me Paul. Remember my bonds. He had a scribe to write all the rest of the epistle, but these words he wrote with his own hand: Remember my bonds. He does not say, "Remember I am a prisoner, and send me supply;' but, "Remember I am in bonds as the apostle of the Gentiles, and let this confirm your faith in the gospel of Christ:' it adds weight to this exhortation: I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy, Eph. 4:1. "Grace be with you. The favour of God, and all good, the blessed fruits and effects of it, be with you, and be your portion.'