Loading
0 Chapters0 Books0 People0 Places
Colossians 4 — A prisoner's final words, and they're not what you'd expect
6 min read
fresh.bible editorialwraps up his letter to the in with practical instructions: how to pray, how to talk to outsiders, and a personal roll call naming every person in his circle. He's writing from prison, not bitter but grateful. That alone is worth paying attention to.
Share this chapter
had just been talking to workers about serving with . Now he spoke directly to those in charge:
"If you're in authority over others, treat them with justice and fairness. Because you have a Master too — and he's watching from Heaven."
In a culture where those in had virtually no accountability, this was radical: your position doesn't make you the top of the chain. You answer to .
"Stay committed to prayer. Stay alert in it. And when you pray, be thankful.
But also — pray for us. Pray that God would open a door for the message, so we can share the mystery of Christ. That's the reason I'm in chains right now. Pray that I'd make it clear the way I'm supposed to."
didn't ask them to pray for his release — just for clarity in his message. That reframes : instead of asking to change your situation, ask him to use you inside it.
"Be wise in how you interact with people outside the faith. Make the most of every opportunity. Let your words always be full of grace — seasoned with salt — so you'll know how to respond to each person."
Salt doesn't overpower food — it draws out flavor. advice: respond to the actual person in front of you, not the category you've put them in.
couldn't deliver this letter himself, so he sent people the Colossians could :
"Tychicus will fill you in on everything that's happening with me. He's a beloved brother, a faithful servant, and a fellow worker for the Lord. I'm sending him to you specifically so you'll know how we're doing and so he can encourage you.
With him is Onesimus — a faithful and beloved brother who is one of your own. They'll tell you everything that's been going on here."
is the same man from Paul's letter to — a runaway slave who became a believer. Paul sends him home not as property but as a brother. That's the doing what does.
Every name here tells a story:
"Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends his greetings. So does Mark, Barnabas's cousin — you've already received instructions about him, so if he shows up, welcome him. And Jesus, who goes by Justus. These are the only Jewish believers among my coworkers for the Kingdom of God, and they've been a real comfort to me.
Epaphras — one of your own, a servant of Christ Jesus — sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you would stand mature and fully confident in everything God wants for you. I can personally vouch for how hard he's worked for you, and for the churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Luke, the beloved doctor, sends greetings. So does Demas."
abandoned on an earlier trip, splitting Paul and apart. Now Paul tells the Colossians to welcome him. That's — don't write someone off permanently.
was "wrestling" in — agonizing for people he couldn't visit. That's the kind of community the early had.
and Demas appear side by side. But in Paul's final letter, Demas deserted him. Not everyone who starts finishes.
closed with logistics that carried weight:
"Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. After this letter has been read to your gathering, make sure it gets read in the Laodicean church too. And read the letter coming from Laodicea as well.
And tell Archippus: 'Make sure you complete the ministry you received in the Lord.'
I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you."
That call to is a personal challenge in a public letter: finish what started through you.
"Remember my chains." The man who wrote about and the of wrote it from a cell. No pity — just: don't forget what this costs. And then . Always grace.