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Colossians Chapter 4

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) 18 Verses

What is Colossians 4 about?

Christ's supreme preeminence over all creation and all heresy — the fullness of deity dwells in him bodily. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1Masters, render unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
2Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;
3withal praying for us also, that God may open unto us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;
4that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one.
7All my affairs shall Tychicus make known unto you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord:
8whom I have sent you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts;
9together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things that [are done] here.
10Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (touching whom ye received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him),
11and Jesus that is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only [are my] fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God, men that have been a comfort unto me.
12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
13For I bear him witness, that he hath much labor for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis.
14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas salute you.
15Salute the brethren that are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church that is in their house.
16And when this epistle hath been read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye also read the epistle from Laodicea.
17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
18The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.
← Colossians 3

What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“Masters, give unto your servants, etc.] This verse properly belongs to the preceding chapter, with which it should have been concluded. It is indeed strange, that those who made the division of chapters and verses should separate this from the former chapter, to which it so manifestly belongs, and begin a new one with it, when it has no connection with what follows; for the apostle having observed the duty of servants to their masters, proceeds to direct masters to the discharge of their duty to their servants, by giving them that which is just and equal: proper food and raiment, which is sufficient and fitting…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“EXHORTATIONS CONTINUED. TO PRAYER: WISDOM IN RELATION TO THE UNCONVERTED: AS TO THE BEARERS OF THE EPISTLE, TYCHICUS AND ONESIMUS: CLOSING SALUTATIONS. (Col. 4:1-18) give--Greek "render": literally, "afford." equal--that is, as the slaves owe their duties to you, so you equally owe to them your duties as masters. Compare "ye masters do the same things" (see on Eph 6:9). ALFORD translates, "fairness," "equity," which gives a large and liberal interpretation of justice in common matters (Plm 1:16). knowing-- (Col 3:24). ye also--as well as they.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“Masters, give unto your servants ... - See the notes at Ephesians 6:9. That which is just and equal - What they ought to have; what is fairly their due. The apostle here, probably, refers to bondmen or slaves, and the propriety of this rule is apparent. Such persons were subject to their masters’ control; their time and services were at their disposal, and they could not enforce their just and equal claims by an appeal to the laws. They were, therefore, dependent on the equity and kindness of their masters. There can be no doubt that not a few who were converted to the Christian faith were held to involuntary…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 1
“Just - According to your contract. Equitable - Even beyond the letter of your contract. Colossians 4:3”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 1
“4:1 Masters: Christian slave owners had to recognize that they, too, were slaves bound to obey Jesus Christ, their Master in heaven who treats all people with dignity and grace.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“give: Lev 19:13, Lev 25:39-43; Deu 15:12-15, Deu 24:14, Deu 24:15; Neh 5:5-13; Job 24:11, Job 24:12; Job 31:13-15; Isa 58:3, Isa 58:5-9; Jer 34:9-17; Mal 3:5; Jam 2:13, Jam 5:4 ye: Ecc 5:8; Mat 23:8, Mat 23:9, Mat 24:48-51; Luk 16:1-13, Luk 19:15; Eph 6:8, Eph 6:9-20; Rev 17:14, Rev 19:16 Colossians 4:2”
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