Good morning,
Paul has now come full circle. He began the book of Colossians praying and encouraging the brethren and completes the book doing the same. Colossians 4, verses 1-6, Paul begins by telling the Colossians to continue in prayer. Verses 7-14, deal with Paul’s fellow servants in Christ. Then, verses 15-18, Paul gives his closing salutation.
Prayer (1-6)
Paul encourages the Colossians to continue to pray and give thanks. He requests prayer specifically for himself and his fellow ministers of God’s word. He asks them to pray “…that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ…” He admonishes them to “Walk in wisdom…”, redeem the time, and that they speak with grace.
Fellow Servants (7-14)
Paul lists his fellow servants and highlights of their character.
Tychicus (7-8) Beloved brother, faithful minister, fellow servant, sent to comfort the hearts of the Colossians
Onesimus (9) Faithful and beloved brother, who will make known all that is done in Rome
Aristarchus (10) Fellow prisoner
Marcus (10) Receive him
Justus (11) Fellow worker, comfort unto Paul
Epaphras (12-13) Servant of Christ, laboring fervently for you in prayers, great zeal for the Colossians, Laodiceans, and those in Hierapolis
Luke (14) The beloved physician
Closing Salutation (15-18)
Paul closes by telling the Colossians to “Salute the brethren…”, read this letter to the Laodiceans, and gives a warning to Archippus. Paul reminds them he wrote this letter and to remember his bonds.
What should challenge us from this chapter?
Pray for pastors, missionaries, and fellow believers
Pray that God would open a door of utterance to allow us to witness and teach others
Remember those who are faithfully proclaiming God’s word
This concludes our study of Colossians. The rest of this week we will look at devotionals on Christ, the Cross, and the Resurrection.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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