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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Colossians 4
Commentary on Colossians 4 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 4
Col 4:1-18. Exhortations Continued. To Prayer: Wisdom in Relation to the Unconverted: As to the Bearers of the Epistle, Tychicus and Onesimus: Closing Salutations.
1. give—Greek "render": literally, "afford."
equal—that is, as the slaves owe their duties to you, so you equally owe to them your duties as masters. Compare "ye masters do the same things" (see on Eph 6:9). Alford translates, "fairness," "equity," which gives a large and liberal interpretation of justice in common matters (Phm 16).
knowing—(Col 3:24).
ye also—as well as they.
2. Continue—Greek, "Continue perseveringly," "persevere" (Eph 6:18), "watching thereunto"; here, "watch in the same," or "in it," that is, in prayer: watching against the indolence as to prayer, and in prayer, of our corrupt wills.
with thanksgiving—for everything, whether joyful, or sorrowful, mercies temporal and spiritual, national, family, and individual (1Co 14:17; Php 4:6; 1Th 5:18).
3. for us—myself and Timothy (Col 1:1).
a door of utterance—Translate, "a door for the word." Not as in Eph 6:19, where power of "utterance" is his petition. Here it is an opportunity for preaching the word, which would be best afforded by his release from prison (1Co 16:9; 2Co 2:12; Phm 22; Re 3:8).
to speak—so that we may speak.
the mystery of Christ—(Col 1:27).
for which … also—on account of which I am (not only "an ambassador," Eph 6:20, but) ALSO in bonds.
4. Alford thinks that Paul asks their prayers for his release as if it were the "only" way by which he could "make it (the Gospel) manifest" as he ought. But while this is included in their subject of prayer, Php 1:12, 13, written somewhat later in his imprisonment, clearly shows that "a door for the word" could be opened, and was opened, for its manifestation, even while he remained imprisoned (compare 2Ti 2:9).
5. (See on Eph 5:15, 16.)
in wisdom—practical Christian prudence.
them … without—Those not in the Christian brotherhood (1Co 5:12; 1Th 4:12). The brethren, through love, will make allowances for an indiscreet act or word of a brother; the world will make none. Therefore be the more on your guard in your intercourse with the latter, lest you be a stumbling-block to their conversion.
redeeming the time—The Greek expresses, buying up for yourselves, and buying off from worldly vanities the opportunity, whenever it is afforded you, of good to yourselves and others. "Forestall the opportunity, that is, to buy up an article out of the market, so as to make the largest profit from it" [Conybeare and Howson].
6. with grace—Greek, "IN grace" as its element (Col 3:16; Eph 4:29). Contrast the case of those "of the world" who "therefore speak of the world" (1Jo 4:5). Even the smallest leaf of the believer should be full of the sap of the Holy Spirit (Jer 17:7, 8). His conversation should be cheerful without levity, serious without gloom. Compare Lu 4:22; Joh 7:46, as to Jesus' speech.
seasoned with salt—that is, the savor of fresh and lively spiritual wisdom and earnestness, excluding all "corrupt communication," and also tasteless insipidity (Mt 5:13; Mr 9:50; Eph 4:29). Compare all the sacrifices seasoned with salt (Le 2:13). Not far from Colosse, in Phrygia, there was a salt lake, which gives to the image here the more appropriateness.
how ye ought to answer every man—(1Pe 3:15).
7. Tychicus—(See on Eph 6:2).
who is a beloved brother—rather, "the beloved brother"; the article "the" marks him as well known to them.
8. for the same purpose—Greek, "for this very purpose."
that he might know your estate—Translate, "that he may know your state": answering to Col 4:7. So one very old manuscript and Vulgate read. But the oldest manuscripts and the old Latin versions, "that YE may know OUR state." However, the latter reading seems likely to have crept in from Eph 6:22. Paul was the more anxious to know the state of the Colossians, on account of the seductions to which they were exposed from false teachers; owing to which he had "great conflict for" them (Col 2:1).
comfort your hearts—distressed as ye are by my imprisonment, as well as by your own trials.
9. Onesimus—the slave mentioned in the Epistle to Philemon (Phm 10, 16), "a brother beloved."
a faithful … brother—rather, "the faithful brother," he being known to the Colossians as the slave of Philemon, their fellow townsman and fellow Christian.
one of you—belonging to your city.
They shall make known unto you all things—Greek, "all the things here." This substantial repetition of "all my state shall Tychicus declare unto you," strongly favors the reading of English Version in Col 4:8, "that he might (may) know your state," as it is unlikely the same thing should be stated thrice.
10. Aristarchus—a Macedonian of Thessalonica (Ac 27:2), who was dragged into the theater at Ephesus, during the tumult with Gaius, they being "Paul's companions in travel." He accompanied Paul to Asia (Ac 20:4), and subsequently (Ac 27:2) to Rome. He was now at Rome with Paul (compare Phm 23, 24). As he is here spoken of as Paul's "fellow prisoner," but in Phm 24 as Paul's "fellow laborer"; and vice versa, Epaphras in Phm 23, as his "fellow prisoner," but here (Col 1:7) "fellow servant," Meyer in Alford, conjectures that Paul's friends voluntarily shared his imprisonment by turns, Aristarchus being his fellow prisoner when he wrote to the Colossians, Epaphras when he wrote to Philemon. The Greek for "fellow prisoner" is literally, fellow captive, an image from prisoners taken in warfare, Christians being "fellow soldiers" (Php 2:25; Phm 2), whose warfare is "the good fight of faith."
Mark—John Mark (Ac 12:12, 25); the Evangelist according to tradition.
sister's son—rather, "cousin," or "kinsman to Barnabas"; the latter being the better known is introduced to designate Mark. The relationship naturally accounts for Barnabas' selection of Mark as his companion when otherwise qualified; and also for Mark's mother's house at Jerusalem being the place of resort of Christians there (Ac 12:12). The family belonged to Cyprus (Ac 4:36); this accounts for Barnabas' choice of Cyprus as the first station on their journey (Ac 13:4), and for Mark's accompanying them readily so far, it being the country of his family; and for Paul's rejecting him at the second journey for not having gone further than Perga, in Pamphylia, but having gone thence home to his mother at Jerusalem (Mt 10:37) on the first journey (Ac 13:13).
touching whom—namely, Mark.
ye received commandments—possibly before the writing of this Epistle; or the "commandments" were verbal by Tychicus, and accompanying this letter, since the past tense was used by the ancients (where we use the present) in relation to the time which it would be when the letter was read by the Colossians. Thus (Phm 19), "I have written," for "I write." The substance of them was, "If he come unto you, receive him." Paul's rejection of him on his second missionary journey, because he had turned back at Perga on the first journey (Ac 13:13; 15:37-39), had caused an alienation between himself and Barnabas. Christian love soon healed the breach; for here he implies his restored confidence in Mark, makes honorable allusion to Barnabas, and desires that those at Colosse who had regarded Mark in consequence of that past error with suspicion, should now "receive" him with kindness. Colosse is only about one hundred ten miles from Perga, and less than twenty from the confines of Pisidia, through which province Paul and Barnabas preached on their return during the same journey. Hence, though Paul had not personally visited the Colossian Church, they knew of the past unfaithfulness of Mark; and needed this recommendation of him, after the temporary cloud on him, so as to receive him, now that he was about to visit them as an evangelist. Again, in Paul's last imprisonment, he, for the last time, speaks of Mark (2Ti 4:11).
11. Justus—that is, righteous; a common name among the Jews; Hebrew, "tzadik" (Ac 1:23).
of the circumcision—This implies that Epaphras, Luke, and Demas (Col 4:12, 14) were not of the circumcision. This agrees with Luke's Gentile name (the same as Lucanus), and the Gentile aspect of his Gospel.
These only, &c.—namely, of the Jews. For the Jewish teachers were generally opposed to the apostle of the Gentiles (Php 1:15). Epaphras, &c., were also fellow laborers, but Gentiles.
unto—that is, in promoting the Gospel kingdom.
which have been—Greek, "which have been made," or "have become," that is, inasmuch as they have become a comfort to me. The Greek implies comfort in forensic dangers; a different Greek word expresses comfort in domestic affliction [Bengel].
12. Christ—The oldest manuscripts add "Jesus."
labouring fervently—As the Greek, is the same, translate, "striving earnestly" (see on Col 1:29 and Col 2:1), literally, "striving as in the agony of a contest."
in prayers—Translate as Greek, "in his prayers."
complete—The oldest manuscripts read, "fully assured." It is translated, "fully persuaded," Ro 4:21; 14:5. In the expression "perfect," he refers to what he has already said, Col 1:28; 2:2; 3:14. "Perfect" implies the attainment of the full maturity of a Christian. Bengel joins "in all the will of God" with "stand."
13. a great zeal—The oldest manuscripts and Vulgate have "much labor."
for you—lest you should be seduced (Col 2:4); a motive why you should be anxious for yourselves.
them that are in Laodicea … Hierapolis—churches probably founded by Epaphras, as the Church in Colosse was. Laodicea, called from Laodice, queen of Antiochus II, on the river Lycus, was, according to the subscription to First Timothy, "the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana" (1Ti 6:21). All the three cities were destroyed by an earthquake in A.D. 62 [Tacitus, Annals, 14.27]. Hierapolis was six Roman miles north of Laodicea.
14. It is conjectured that Luke "the beloved physician" (the same as the Evangelist), may have first become connected with Paul in professionally attending on him in the sickness under which he labored in Phrygia and Galatia (in which latter place he was detained by sickness), in the early part of that journey wherein Luke first is found in his company (Ac 16:10; compare Note, see on Ga 4:13). Thus the allusion to his medical profession is appropriate in writing to men of Phrygia. Luke ministered to Paul in his last imprisonment (2Ti 4:11).
Demas—included among his "fellow laborers" (Phm 24), but afterwards a deserter from him through love of this world (2Ti 4:10). He alone has here no honorable or descriptive epithet attached to his name. Perhaps, already, his real character was betraying itself.
15. Nymphas—of Laodicea.
church … in his house—So old manuscripts and Vulgate read. The oldest read, "THEIR house"; and one manuscript, "HER house," which makes Nymphas a woman.
16. the epistle from Laodicea—namely, the Epistle which I wrote to the Laodiceans, and which you will get from them on applying to them. Not the Epistle to the Ephesians. See Introduction to Ephesians and Introduction to Colossians. The Epistles from the apostles were publicly read in the church assemblies. Ignatius [Epistle to the Ephesians, 12], Polycarp [Epistle to the Philippians, 3.11,12], Clement [Epistle to the Corinthians, 1. 47], 1Th 5:27; Re 1:3, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear." Thus, they and the Gospels were put on a level with the Old Testament, which was similarly read (De 31:11). The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write, besides those extant, other Epistles which He saw necessary for that day, and for particular churches; and which were not so for the Church of all ages and places. It is possible that as the Epistle to the Colossians was to be read for the edification of other churches besides that of Colosse; so the Epistle to the Ephesians was to be read in various churches besides Ephesus, and that Laodicea was the last of such churches before Colosse, whence he might designate the Epistle to the Ephesians here as "the Epistle from Laodicea." But it is equally possible that the Epistle meant was one to the Laodiceans themselves.
17. say to Archippus—The Colossians (not merely the clergy, but the laymen) are directed, "Speak ye to Archippus." This proves that Scripture belongs to the laity as well as the clergy; and that laymen may profitably admonish the clergy in particular cases when they do so in meekness. Bengel suggests that Archippus was perhaps prevented from going to the Church assembly by weak health or age. The word, "fulfil," accords with his ministry being near its close (Col 1:25; compare Phm 2). However, "fulfil" may mean, as in 2Ti 4:5, "make full proof of thy ministry." "Give all diligence to follow it out fully"; a monition perhaps needed by Archippus.
in the Lord—The element in which every work of the Christian, and especially the Christian minister, is to be done (Col 4:7; 1Co 7:39; Php 4:2).
18. Paul's autograph salutation (so 1Co 16:21; 2Th 3:17), attesting that the preceding letter, though written by an amanuensis, is from himself.
Remember my bonds—Already in this chapter he had mentioned his "bonds" (Col 4:3), and again Col 4:10, an incentive why they should love and pray (Col 4:3) for him; and still more, that they should, in reverential obedience to his monitions in this Epistle, shrink from the false teaching herein stigmatized, remembering what a conflict (Col 2:1) he had in their behalf amidst his bonds. "When we read of his chains, we should not forget that they moved over the paper as he wrote; his [right] hand was chained to the [left hand of the] soldier who kept him" [Alford].
Grace be with you—Greek, "THE grace" which every Christian enjoys in some degree, and which flows from God in Christ by the Holy Ghost (Tit 3:15; Heb 13:25)