Bullet Point Bible - Colossians 4

Masters and Slaves

¹

This verse concludes the household code section that began in Colossians 3:18.
It provides the balancing instruction to masters, following the commands given to slaves (Col 3:22-25).
The terms "justly" (Greek: `dikaion`) and "fairly" (Greek: `isotēta`) call for treatment exceeding minimal legal requirements, emphasizing equity.
The primary motivation for masters is theological: their accountability to God, their own Master in heaven.
This principle relativizes earthly authority structures under God's ultimate sovereignty.
While not condemning the institution of slavery outright, this command fundamentally challenged its common abuses by grounding the relationship in Christian ethics.
The concept of fairness (`isotēs`) contains the seed of equality, a radical notion within the Roman social structure.
It serves as a specific application of the general principle to live according to Christ's lordship (Col 3:17).

Exhortations to Prayer and Wisdom

² Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.³ At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.⁴ Pray that I may make it known as I should.⁵ Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities.⁶ Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.

Paul shifts from specific household roles to general exhortations for the entire Christian community.
"Be devoted" (`proskartereite`) signifies persistent, steadfast commitment to prayer.
Effective prayer requires spiritual alertness or watchfulness, coupled with a spirit of thanksgiving.
Paul includes a personal prayer request, demonstrating his reliance on the church's intercession.
The "open door for the message" refers to opportunities for effective gospel proclamation.
The "mystery of Christ" encapsulates the gospel message, especially the inclusion of Gentiles and Christ dwelling in believers (Col 1:26-27).
Paul's imprisonment ("chains") underscores the opposition faced and the importance of prayer for boldness.
He desires clarity and faithfulness (`phaneroō`) in proclaiming the gospel, fulfilling his apostolic duty.
Believers are called to interact wisely (`en sophia`) with non-Christians ("outsiders").
"Making the most of every opportunity" (`exagorazomenoi ton kairon`) implies discerning and utilizing opportune moments for witness and good deeds.
Speech should be "gracious" (`en chariti`) and "seasoned with salt"—meaning wholesome, wise, winsome, and perhaps having a preservative effect against corruption.

Commendation of Tychicus and Onesimus

⁷ Tychicus, a dear brother, faithful minister, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.⁸ I sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your hearts.⁹ I sent him with Onesimus, the faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

Paul introduces his messengers, providing personal updates and connecting the communities.
Tychicus, the likely bearer of Colossians (and possibly Ephesians and Philemon), receives high praise.
He is described as a "dear brother," "faithful minister" (`diakonos`), and "fellow slave" (`syndoulos`), emphasizing relationship, service, and shared submission to Christ.
Tychicus's mission was both informational (news about Paul) and pastoral (encouragement).
The inclusion of Onesimus is highly significant; he is the runaway slave featured in the letter to Philemon.
Paul affirms Onesimus's transformation by calling him a "faithful and dear brother."
Identifying Onesimus as "one of you" integrates him fully into the Colossian Christian community, regardless of his past or social status.
Sending Onesimus back demonstrates the practical outworking of the gospel in reconciliation and changed relationships.
These verses highlight the importance of reliable communication and personal representatives in maintaining church unity and fellowship.
The commendations serve to establish the authority and trustworthiness of the messengers.

Greetings from Fellow Workers

¹⁰ Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him).¹¹ And Jesus who is called Justus also sends greetings. In terms of Jewish converts, these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.¹² Epaphras, who is one of you and a slave of Christ, greets you. He is always struggling in prayer on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.¹³ For I can testify that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.¹⁴ Our dear friend Luke the physician and Demas greet you.

Paul conveys greetings from his companions, reinforcing the sense of a wider network of believers.
Aristarchus, a loyal companion (Acts 19:29, 27:2), shared Paul's confinement in some capacity ("fellow prisoner").
Mark (John Mark) is mentioned positively, indicating a restoration of fellowship after the earlier disagreement recorded in Acts 15:37-39. Paul specifically instructs the Colossians to welcome him.
Jesus Justus is another Jewish Christian coworker mentioned only here.
Paul notes that these three (Aristarchus, Mark, Jesus Justus) were his only Jewish ("of the circumcision") collaborators for the kingdom at that time in Rome, highlighting the largely Gentile makeup of his team there.
Their presence and support provided significant "comfort" (`parēgoria`) to Paul during his imprisonment.
Epaphras, likely the founder of the church in Colossae (Col 1:7) and also a Colossian ("one of you"), is commended for his intense prayer life.
Epaphras's prayer focused on the spiritual maturity and firm conviction ("fully assured") of the Colossians regarding God's will.
His diligent labor (`ponon`) extended to the nearby churches of Laodicea and Hierapolis in the Lycus Valley.
Luke, the author of the third Gospel and Acts, is affectionately called "the dear physician."
Demas is included in the greetings here, though he is later mentioned as having deserted Paul (2 Timothy 4:10).

Final Instructions and Greetings

¹⁵ Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.¹⁶ And after you have read this letter, have it read to the church of Laodicea. In turn, read the letter from Laodicea as well.¹⁷ And tell Archippus, "See to it that you complete the ministry you received in the Lord."¹⁸ I, Paul, write this greeting by my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Paul extends greetings to the neighboring church in Laodicea, emphasizing regional fellowship.
Greetings are sent to Nympha and the house church meeting in her home, illustrating the vital role of homes and potentially women in leadership/hosting roles in the early church. (Note: Manuscript variations exist between "Nympha" [feminine] and "Nymphas" [masculine]).
Instructions are given for this letter to be shared with the Laodicean church, indicating the intended wider relevance of Paul's letters.
The Colossians were also to read a "letter from Laodicea"—likely a letter sent by Paul to Laodicea, which is now lost to us (though some speculate it could be Ephesians).
A specific, public charge is given to Archippus (mentioned in Philemon 1:2, possibly Philemon's son) to fulfill his ministry. The reason for this public exhortation is unclear.
Paul authenticates the letter by adding a final greeting in his own handwriting, a common practice for him (cf. 1 Cor 16:21, Gal 6:11, 2 Thess 3:17).
The poignant request, "Remember my chains," serves as a reminder of his suffering for the gospel and adds weight to his words.
The letter concludes with a characteristic Pauline benediction, invoking God's "Grace" upon the readers.
This closing section underscores themes of community connection, the authority and circulation of apostolic teaching, personal accountability in ministry, and reliance on God's grace.

The Bullet Point Bible

Colossians 4