Colossians 4

Colossians 4:1

For which. The gospel. I am an ambassador in bonds. As an ambassador is sent to a foreign court to declare the will of the king, so Paul, though in chains, was Christ’s ambassador sent to Rome to declare the will of his King.

Colossians 4:2

Tychicus. He is named in Acts 20:4 Colossians 4:7 Titus 3:12 2 Timothy 4:12. He probably carried this letter, and could tell the brethren at Ephesus and Asia Minor about Paul’s present condition.

Colossians 4:3

That ye might know our affairs, and [that] he might comfort your hearts. Tychicus was “a faithful minister” (Ephesians 6:21), and could not only satisfy their longing to know of Paul’s state, but could comfort them.

Colossians 4:4

Peace [be] to the brethren, etc. As was his custom he closes with a benediction. Compare those of the preceding Epistles. NOTE.–Some have urged that the absence of individual salutations is a proof that this letter could not have been addressed to the Ephesians where he was so well acquainted. The same argument might apply to the Corinthian, Galatian and Philippian letters also, and indeed his letters to all the churches which he had founded. It rather implies that his acquaintances were so numerous that he could hardly have space to single out individuals, and sent his personal salutations by the messengers. Besides, there are reasons for the opinion that the Ephesian letter was intended also for other churches of “Asia”.

Colossians 4:8

Greetings from a Roman Prison SUMMARY OF PHILIPPIANS 1: Greetings to the Church and Its Officers. Reasons for Thanksgiving. The Progress of the Gospel in Rome. Different Motives for Preaching the Gospel. The Apostle’s Desire to Depart and Be with Christ. Exhortations to Unity and Fortitude. Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ. The beloved Timothy was attending and aiding Paul at Rome. The name of Timothy appears at the head of several Epistles (2 Corinthians 1:1 Colossians 1:1 1 Thessalonians 1:1 2 Thessalonians 1:1 Philemon 1:1). In this letter to be a beloved church, so devoted to him, Paul does not refer to his apostleship in his greeting, as in preceding Epistles (Romans 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:1 Galatians 1:1 Ephesians 1:1), as one speaking with authority, but exhorts them as a fellow-servant of Christ. To all the saints in Christ Jesus. Every one in Christ, i.e., every Christian was and is a saint. With the bishops and deacons. We find two classes of officers in this church organized by an apostle. There was a plurality of each class. All commentators agree that “the bishops” and “the elders” of the primitive church are the same, only different names of the same office. Paul calls the “elders” of Ephesus “bishops” (see Acts 20:17 in the Revised Version). Also in Titus 1:5,7 he calls an “elder” a “bishop”. For the duties of this office, see notes on 1 Timothy 3:2-7 Titus 1:5-9. The word “overseer”, which is a literal translation of the Greek word “episkopos”, suggests the nature of the office. The duties of the deacons are supposed to be explained by the work of the “Seven Deacons” ordained in the church at Jerusalem. See Acts 6:1,2. See PNT 1 Timothy 3:8.

Colossians 4:9

Grace [be] unto you, and peace. The usual apostolic benediction, such as we have found in preceding Epistles, is conferred. See PNT Romans 1:7.

Colossians 4:10

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Almost all the Epistles open with thanksgiving. How glorious a faith that which led him always, even in the darkest hour, to see the hand of God present in blessing! Yet in the remembrance of the Philippians there was much to cheer his heart.

Colossians 4:11

Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy. The repeated assurances shows us that Paul was wont daily to carry the interests of the churches he planted to God. In the case of this faithful church, he did it with joy.

Colossians 4:12

For your fellowship in the gospel. “For your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel” (Revised Version). He is thankful and full of joy that from the first they had constantly sympathized with him and aided in extending the gospel. It was a really missionary church. From the first day until now. See Philippians 2:25 4:10,18 for illustrations.

Colossians 4:13

Being confident of this very thing. So faithful have they been that he is confident that they will be faithful to the end. That he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it]. God, who sent Paul to them with the gospel, began the good work. He will sustain them by his grace. Until the day of Jesus Christ. The day they are called to his presence.

Colossians 4:14

Because I have you in my heart. Their faithfulness had engraven them on his heart. He shows how that faithfulness had been demonstrated. They were all partakers of . . . grace, the grace of suffering for the gospel and of defending it. In my bonds. He was a prisoner bound. As a prisoner he preached and defended the gospel. The Philippians sympathized with him, prayed for him, and sustained him by their offerings, thus becoming “partakers”. They not only did this, but defended and suffered for the gospel. See Philippians 1:28-30.

Colossians 4:15

How greatly I long after you. Love you and long for your presence. In the bowels of Jesus Christ. “In the tender mercies of Jesus Christ” (Revised Version). With a tender love like that of Christ.

Colossians 4:16

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more. Not that their love for him should abound more, but in knowledge and [in] all judgment. With the increase of their love there might be fuller knowledge and wiser judgment.

Colossians 4:17

That ye may approve things that are excellent. This increase in knowledge and judgment would lead them to approve what is really excellent. How often men approve what does not bless them! How often the judgment errs! Without offence. Without leadings others to stumble.

Colossians 4:18

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness. This must follow from being “sincere”, etc. Those who are earnest and sincere occupy themselves with works of righteousness, such as are due to faith in Jesus Christ and his help, and which are unto the glory and praise of God. In no way can we glorify God more than by living holy, helpful lives.