A plain wooden street door standing open at dusk onto a small lamplit room, the stone lane outside empty.

The Book of

Colossians 4

A prisoner asks for one thing: an open door. Then he sends his friends, his news and his own signature.

18 verses≈ 3 min5 peopleBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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In this chapter

Where we are

1Christ firstImage of God, head of the church
2Complete in HimNothing needs adding to Christ
3–4:6Raised with HimNew life at home and at workChapter 4
4:7–18FriendsNews, greetings, a signature

Prayerful Speech and Actions

Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

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Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,

Colossians 4:2

From PaulTo the saints in Colossae

as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.

Colossians 4:3–4

A small marketplace at evening: two people seen from behind talk across a stall counter with bread loaves and a little bowl of salt.

Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

0:09

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Pray

Pray for an open door

Paul is in chains, yet he does not ask for the chains to come off. He asks for “a door for the word” and the words to “declare it clearly.” Pray for someone who shares the gospel where you live, and ask God to open one door for you this week: one conversation where you can speak of Christ graciously.

Colossians 4:6

Greetings from Paul’s Fellow Workers

Paul

If he comes to you, welcome him.

Colossians 4:10

He is always wrestling in prayer for you

Colossians 4:12

Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings.

Stylised map · locations approximate

On the map

The letter’s road

Paul sends Tychicus with this letter, and Onesimus, “who is one of you,” goes with him (with the letter to Philemon too). From Rome they probably went by sea to Ephesus, then inland up the valley road past Laodicea to Colossae, a journey of several weeks. Then, Paul says, “They will tell you about everything here.”

Question

Quick question

Paul names the friends who are with him, and he tells the Colossians what one of their own is doing for them far away.

What does Paul say Epaphras is always doing for the Colossians?

Signature and Final Instructions

Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house.

After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.

Colossians 4:17

A modest rented room in Rome by lamplight, open scrolls on a table, a short chain on a bench and a visitor’s silhouette in the open door.

From PaulTo the saints in Colossae

This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Colossians 4:18

Live it

Your own seasoning

Paul wants every word to be “gracious, seasoned with salt.” Think of one person you will talk with this week who does not follow Jesus. What would gracious, salty speech sound like with them? Write down one thing you could say, and one thing you could stop saying, “so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

You’ve experienced

Colossians 4

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A verse to carry with you

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 4:6

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