Colossians 4: Live Life Seasoned with Salt

Read Colossians Chapter 4

Introduction: Colossians 4 speaks of practical Christian living and the importance of prayer, wisdom, and gracious speech. It ends Paul’s letter to the Colossian church with his final instructions, these verses display the interconnectedness of the early Christian church.  Paul gives them guidance on how to interact with non-believers and points out the need to support and acknowledge fellow workers in Christ. This chapter should remind believers of the Christian duty to represent Christ in everyday actions and relationships.

I. Instructions for Prayer and Wise Behavior (Colossians 4:1-6)
In the first verses, Paul urges the Colossians to be devoted to prayer, being watchful and thankful (Colossians 4:2). We read about never ceasing in prayer in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, which encourages the faithful to be continually praying, and in Ephesians 6:19, where Paul also requests prayer for the spread of the gospel. He asks for prayers for himself and his team, that God would open a door for their message to be heard (Colossians 4:3). He emphasizes the importance of wise conduct towards outsiders and the value of making the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5). He exhorts them to speak graciously, words seasoned with salt, so that they may know how to answer everyone (Colossians 4:6). This brings to mind Proverbs 15:1, a verse that teaches, a soft answer turns away wrath.

II. Personal Greetings and Instructions (Colossians 4:7-18)
The second half of the chapter focuses on personal notes and instructions. Tychicus is mentioned as a faithful messenger and fellow servant in the Lord, tasked with updating the Colossians on Paul’s circumstances (Colossians 4:7-8). Acts 20:4 mentions Tychicus as a companion of Paul. Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus are also greeted, highlighting the spirit of unity among believers (Colossians 4:9-11). Epaphras, who is described as always wrestling in prayer for the Colossians, is an example of the prayerfulness mentioned earlier in the chapter (Colossians 4:12-13). We read in Philemon 1:23-24, where Paul refers to fellow workers in the gospel, and in Romans 15:30, we see Paul encouraging the Romans to join Paul in his struggle by praying to God. Paul instructs the followers to greet the believers in Laodicea and to read the letter to the Laodiceans among themselves (Colossians 4:15-16). Paul calls on the church to remember his chains, reminding them of the cost of discipleship (Colossians 4:18).

Conclusion: Colossians 4 teaches believers on how to live out their faith in a Christ like manner. Through persistent prayer, wise conduct, and gracious speech, Christians can effectively represent Christ to the world around them. The chapter also points out the strength found in the community of believers, as evidenced by Paul’s personal greetings to his fellow workers. These aspects of the Christian life, rooted in love and unity, are as relevant today as they were in the early church. Through the example set by Paul and his fellow workers, we are encouraged to live out our faith with dedication and grace.