Col 4:3, 10, 18 | PNT | STEP | Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance . Note the spirit of this prayer; not a thought of his ease, comfort, or even safety, but only that he may be given full opportunity to preach Christ. So sublime a self-forgetfulness in a suffering prisoner is almost divine. The mystery of Christ . The gospel of Christ. It was a mystery, i.e., a hidden truth until it was revealed. See . In bonds . See notes on .

Colossians 4:3

Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance. Note the spirit of this prayer; not a thought of his ease, comfort, or even safety, but only that he may be given full opportunity to preach Christ. So sublime a self-forgetfulness in a suffering prisoner is almost divine.

The mystery of Christ. The gospel of Christ. It was a mystery, i.e., a hidden truth until it was revealed. See 1Co 4:1 Eph 6:19 Col 1:26 2:2.

In bonds. See notes on Eph 6:20 Php 1:7.

Colossians 4:10

There follow Christian remembrances from several of Paul's companions.

Aristarchus, my fellow-prisoner. A Macedonian from Thessalonica (Ac 19:29 20:4 27:2). He accompanied Paul from Jerusalem to Rome. He is named in Phm 1:24.

And Marcus. The old companion of Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary tour (Ac 13:5,13).

Sister's son to Barnabas. It is now conceded that this should be, "Cousin to Barnabas". Since in this year (probably A.D. 62) Mark attends Paul, it is inferred that Barnabas was dead.

Concerning whom. Mark.

Commandments. Commendations.

Receive him. Perhaps these churches knew that at one time Paul had refused to have Mark in his company (Ac 15:38), and hence would not have received him cordially without such a commendation.

Colossians 4:18

The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Paul dictated his epistles to an amanuensis (Ro 16:22), but was wont to add a salutation in his own hand (Ga 6:11 2Th 3:17 1Co 16:21).

Remember my bonds. Three times this chapter he alludes to his chains, in Col 4:3,10,18. The thought is, "Be willing to suffer for the gospel even as I do".