Read Colossians 4
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%204&version=NIV
4:2–6 On the subject of prayer (4:2–4), see Ephesians 6:18–20. Paul recognized the power and potential available through prayer (Phil. 4:6–7; 1 Thess. 5:17). Here he exhorted the believers to continue steadfastly in prayer. For Paul’s imprisonment in Rome (4:3), see Acts 28:16, 23, 30–31.
Wisdom to outsiders (4:5) is the context for effective conversation (4:6). The believer’s speech is to be “full of Grace” (4:6). Here Paul was probably referring to speech that is appetizing, a witness to unbelievers that is well prepared and focused on the individual needs of each person.
4:10–17 Many of the names mentioned in Paul’s greetings are also mentioned elsewhere. Aristarchus (4:10; cf. Acts 19:29; 20:1–4; 27:2; Philem. 1:23–24) may have shared Paul’s imprisonment on a voluntary basis, perhaps passing as his servant. John Mark (Acts 13:13; 15:36–40; 2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 1:24), author of the second Gospel, having been restored to Paul’s favor, was to be welcomed at Colosse should he travel there. Jesus, also called Justus (4:11), is not mentioned elsewhere. Epaphras (4:12–13; 1:7–8; Philem. 1:23) was influential in bringing the gospel to Colosse. Laodicea and Hierapolis were located in the Lycus Valley about ten miles northwest of Colosse. Luke (4:14; cf. 2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 1:24), the author of Acts and the third Gospel, is referred to by Paul as “Dear Doctor Luke.” Demas (2 Tim. 4:10; Philem. 1:24) was a helper who defected.
With his greetings Paul included circulation instructions (4:15–16). Paul not only greeted the Laodicean believers (cf. Rev. 3:14) but asked that this letter be shared with them and that his letter to Laodicea be read to the Colossians. Some take it that the letter from Laodicea was the encyclical letter now known as Ephesians (see note on Eph. 1:1). The church met at Nympha’s (or Nymphas; masculine) house (cf. Acts 12:12; Rom. 16:5, 23). It wasn’t until the third century that separate buildings were used for church worship.
Archippus (4:17), Paul’s fellow worker (Philem. 1:2), was actively ministering in Colosse. Paul encouraged him to give this letter his full attention.
4:18 Paul’s greeting with his own hand confirms the genuineness of the epistle. For Paul’s Roman imprisonment, see Acts 28:16, 20, 23, 30–31. The remembrance of Paul’s bonds was not for sympathy. It was a reminder to see trials from the proper perspective (1:24–25) and, in that light, stand firm no matter what the situation (4:3–5).
Discussion question
Read verse 6, reflect on it for a moment and respond how that verse speaks to you?
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If we let God's grace guide our speech, then He will also guide us in what to say to other people.
ReplyDeleteSeasoned with salt stands out to me since we are to be salt and light to the world.
ReplyDeleteI get the request to be sure our speech is full of grace (love and forgiveness), but "seasoned with salt" is not so clear to me. Salt provides flavor, it's necessary for life, but too much can cause many things including death. It may be a figurative expression suggesting that our speech be flavorful and inviting.
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