Col 4 | MHM | STEP | Relative Duties Paul continues his teaching on how Christians should live in their daily relationships. Here, he focuses on the duties of masters toward their servants. He reminds masters that they have responsibilities and must treat their servants fairly and kindly. This is part of the Christian life, where all are accountable to God. v. 1 : Paul commands, Give unto your servants that which is just and equal (Colossians 4:1 ). Masters must be fair and honest with their servants. They should not cheat them or keep back their wages, as James warns against keeping back by fraud the hire of the labourers (James 5:4 ). Masters should not demand more work than servants can do, and they should provide proper care, including food, medicine, and reasonable freedoms. This kindness should be shown even if servants are from different countries or religions. Paul gives a strong reason for this: Knowing that you also have a Master in heaven . Masters themselves serve God and will be judged by Him. They must treat their servants as they would want to be treated, remembering that God shows no favoritism (Ephesians 6:9 ). All are accountable to the same Lord, whether master or servant.

‏ Colossians 4

Relative Duties

Paul continues his teaching on how Christians should live in their daily relationships. Here, he focuses on the duties of masters toward their servants. He reminds masters that they have responsibilities and must treat their servants fairly and kindly. This is part of the Christian life, where all are accountable to God.

v. 1: Paul commands, Give unto your servants that which is just and equal (Colossians 4:1 ^a). Masters must be fair and honest with their servants. They should not cheat them or keep back their wages, as James warns against keeping back by fraud the hire of the labourers (James 5:4 ^b). Masters should not demand more work than servants can do, and they should provide proper care, including food, medicine, and reasonable freedoms. This kindness should be shown even if servants are from different countries or religions.

Paul gives a strong reason for this: Knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Masters themselves serve God and will be judged by Him. They must treat their servants as they would want to be treated, remembering that God shows no favoritism (Ephesians 6:9 ^c). All are accountable to the same Lord, whether master or servant.

Apostolic Exhortations

Paul now gives practical advice about prayer. He encourages Christians to pray regularly and with thankful hearts. This instruction is important for everyone, including masters and those in positions of responsibility. Prayer should be a constant part of the Christian life, and Paul asks for prayer for himself and other leaders, so they can continue to share the good news of Jesus boldly and clearly.

v. 2: Paul says, Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2 ^d). Christians should be faithful in prayer, making it a regular habit. They should stay alert, choosing good times for prayer and keeping their hearts focused. Every prayer should also include thanksgiving, remembering to thank God for His blessings.

v. 3: He adds, 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 (Colossians 4:3 ^e). Paul asks the Colossians to pray specifically for him and other church leaders. He wants God to give them new opportunities to share the gospel and to give them the courage and words to speak clearly about Jesus, even though Paul is in prison for preaching about Christ (Ephesians 6:19 ^f).

v. 4: Paul continues, That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak (Colossians 4:4 ^g). He wants to make the message of Jesus clear and easy to understand for everyone who hears it. Paul knows the importance of prayer, even for leaders, and he asks the Colossians to support him in this way, so he can do his work well.

Apostolic Exhortations

Paul continues his practical instructions by teaching the Colossians how to live wisely among non-Christians and how to speak graciously to others. He reminds them that their behavior and words can influence how others view their faith. Christians should make the most of their time and opportunities to do good and share their hope in Christ.

v. 5: Paul says, Walk in wisdom toward those who are without, redeeming the time (Colossians 4:5 ^h). He encourages believers to act wisely when interacting with people outside the Christian faith. They should avoid adopting sinful behaviors or giving others reasons to criticize their faith. Instead, they should aim to do good and show the beauty of their faith through their actions. Redeeming the time means making the most of every opportunity to do what is right, especially since the days they lived in were dangerous and full of challenges (Ephesians 5:15-16 ⁱ).

v. 6: Paul continues, Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how to answer every man (Colossians 4:6 ^j). He reminds Christians to speak kindly and respectfully, ensuring their words reflect their faith. Speech should be seasoned with salt, meaning it should be wise, wholesome, and preserve goodness, just as salt prevents decay. This helps Christians answer everyone appropriately, whether they are sharing the gospel or responding to questions about their faith. As Peter says, Be ready always to give an answer to every man who asks you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15 ^k).

Various Salutations

In the closing part of his letter, Paul mentions several friends and fellow workers in the faith. He honors them by recording their names and sharing his appreciation for their service. These greetings show the importance of Christian friendship, support, and teamwork in spreading the gospel.

v. 7: Paul speaks about Tychicus, who is delivering this letter. He calls him a beloved brother and faithful minister, and fellow-servant in the Lord (Colossians 4:7 ^l). Tychicus will explain Paul’s situation in detail to the Colossians, bringing them comfort and encouragement. Paul values the love and support between Christians, especially among those who serve together.

v. 8: Paul says he sent Tychicus so the Colossians could know about Paul’s condition and be encouraged. This shows Paul’s care for the churches and his desire for mutual support in times of trouble.

v. 9: Onesimus, who is with Tychicus, is also coming. Paul calls him a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you . Although Onesimus was once a runaway servant, now, as a Christian, he is considered equal and loved. This shows that in Christ, all believers share the same status and love (Galatians 3:28 ^m).

v. 10: Aristarchus is mentioned as Paul’s fellow prisoner, showing their shared suffering for Christ. Mark, who is Barnabas’s cousin, is also mentioned. Paul tells the church to welcome Mark if he comes, showing that past mistakes can be forgiven and relationships restored (Galatians 6:1 ⁿ).

v. 11: Jesus, called Justus, is also greeted. These men are all Jewish Christians and have worked together with Paul to advance God’s kingdom. Their friendship and teamwork have been a comfort to Paul during hard times.

v. 12: Epaphras, who is one of the Colossians, sends his greetings. He is always praying hard for the church. Epaphras prays that they will be perfect and complete in all the will of God (Colossians 4:12 ^o). Paul adds that Epaphras has great concern not just for Colossae, but also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

v. 13: Paul praises Epaphras’s great zeal for all the churches in the area. He truly cares for their spiritual growth and well-being.

v. 14: Luke, whom Paul calls the beloved physician, sends his greetings. Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts, was both a doctor and one of Paul’s closest companions. Demas also sends greetings, though Paul will later report Demas deserted him (2 Timothy 4:10 ^p).

v. 15: Paul greets the Christians in Laodicea and Nymphas, who hosts a church in his house. Early Christians often met in private homes for worship and fellowship (John 20:19 ^q).

v. 16: Paul instructs that this letter should be read to the church in Laodicea as well and that the Colossians should also read the letter from Laodicea. This shows the importance of sharing God’s Word among different congregations.

v. 17: Paul asks the church to tell Archippus, one of their ministers, to be careful and faithful in his ministry. All Christian leaders are called to fulfill their duty with care and perseverance.

v. 18: Paul finishes the letter with his own handwritten greeting: Remember my bonds. Grace be with you (Colossians 4:18 ^r). He asks them to remember that he is suffering for Christ and encourages them to stay strong in faith. He ends by wishing them God’s grace.