Chapter 4 of the book of Colossians expresses the importance of prayer for believers and treating all men with respect, even those who do not follow the Word of God.
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The Importance of Prayer
In Colossians Chapter 4, Paul expressed the importance of prayer. He told the people to always pray without stopping. He asked for prayers for himself and his friends who were spreading the message of the Gospel. He also mentioned that he was writing this letter from jail because he was imprisoned for preaching about Christ.
Instructions for Witnessing
Paul also told the Colossians that they should be pleasant when spending time with unbelievers. He said to tell them the message of the Gospel, but do it in such a way to keep their interest. He also said to answer any questions that come up and to choose their words carefully to avoid offense or misunderstandings.
Paul Introduces His Helpers
In Colossians Chapter 4, Paul introduced Tychicus as a loyal minister sent to relay the epistle from Paul. He also mentioned Onesimus and he said he was a man of God who was sent to deliver the letter from Paul.
These men were also charged with giving the people of Colossae hope in their walk toward the Lord. There were also messages of hope and perseverance sent from three friends of Paul to help explain the situation he was in.
Paul’s Final Words to Colossae
Paul’s epistle also told the chosen people of Colossae to warmly welcome the messengers that he had sent because they were there for encouragement. In addition, he asked that they never forget the challenges that he faced while in jail and that they remember the shackles that bind him.
He said they were not to fret, however, because he was praying that grace forever be with them. He ended his letter to the Colossians by using his own personal signature.
Colossians 4 (King James Version)
1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.