Colossians 4 - The Joy of the Journey!

 Colossians 4 -

Enduring Word Commentary - Colossians 4

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

This verse really belongs in chapter 3, but it continues the theme of Christians in all stations in life treating each other fairly. Though a master had authority over his slave, Paul teaches the master to treat his slave realizing that the true master is in heaven. 

Further Instructions

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Paul is never hesitant to request prayer, but it is interesting to note what he is asking for here. We see Paul's heart when he asks for prayer to "open a door for the gospel". Though he is in prison, he hasn't lost hope that he will be the mission field again soon. Paul asks for prayer that he might proclaim (the same word for preach) the "mystery of Christ". What does he mean by that? What is the mystery of Christ? 

I believe the mystery is the fact that Jesus came to earth as a baby boy, yet he remained fully God. He lived an ordinary life but did extraordinary miracles and wonders. Though he was a king, he was a servant king. He didn't use his kingship to lord it overs but humbled himself and became a servant unto death on a cross. This was the Messiah the Jews had waited for but he came in an expected packet. They mystery of God was revealed at the appointed time in history. 

"Previously hidden, now revealed: The term "mystery" does not mean something secret or vague, but rather something that was once concealed and is now made known by God through the apostles."

The core of the mystery is the indwelling of God within His people through Christ, which unites them into one body, with Christ as the head (Google AI). 

Paul wanted this mystery to be plainly and clearly communicated to all people. 

"Even though Paul was in chains for his faithfulness to the gospel, he knew that he ought to speak it in a way that would make it manifest (clearly evident). Paul wanted prayer that he would continue to make the gospel clear and evident, even if it meant more chains." - Guzik

Along these lines, Paul wanted them to be aware of how they act in public will either draw people to them or push them away. He says their conversation should be "full of grace and seasoned with salt". 

What comes out of our mouths says a lot about us. Do we cut others down or build them up? Do we use inappropriate language or communicate in winsome way? Do we add flavor and seasoning to the conversations we are a part of? Do we get on our "soapbox" about politics or some other controversial matter? Not that we shouldn't take a stand as a Christian, but there is a time and place for it. 

Here's a question to think about. If someone were interested in talking about the Christian faith with someone would it be you?

Final Greetings

7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant[a] in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our[b] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

Paul mentions two of his fellow ministers, Tychius and Onesimus, not exactly household names. 

Tychicus is mentioned in Acts 20:4 as one of the men who came with Paul from the Roman province of Asia to Jerusalem, to carry the offering of those believers to the needy Christians of Jerusalem and Judea. (Guzik)

"Onesimus was a slave owned by a believer in Colosse, but he ran away and came into contact with Paul in Rome. There, Onesimus became a Christian and a dedicated helper to Paul. His story is continued in Paul’s letter to Philemon." (Guzik)

10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews[c] among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

Again Paul gives a litany of names of others who have been part of his journey. As I look back on 30 years of ministry, and five years before that in an amazing church, I have met so many people along the way who have played a huge role and my Christian life. In each church I have served, there have many men and women, who have come alongside of me to comfort, challenge and encourage me. Those friendships will not only last a lifetime, but will last forever in heaven. 

Though there are many ups and downs in the Christian life, God sends us people to walk with us, pray with us, encourage us, and journey with us, as we wait for him to return in great and promised glory! 

Who are the people God has called you to be in partnership with for the gospel? Make sure you make time for these people and show gratitude to them for your friendship!