Colossians 4:3

“Withal, praying also for us, etc.] The persons to be prayed for are next directed to; and these are not only themselves, though their concern is very near and great, but others also, all the saints and people of God, yea, all men, and in particular the ministers of the Gospel. The apostle desires they would pray for him, and his fellow ministers, and which he says not in dissimulation, under a guise of humility, but in true humility and lowliness of mind; being sensible of the greatness of the ministerial work, which this shows, and of his own imperfection and weakness, and of what advantage the prayers, even of the meanest in the church, might be unto him: and this shows, that it is the…”

“for us--myself and Timothy (Col 1:1). a door of utterance--Translate, "a door for the word." Not as in Eph 6:19, where power of "utterance" is his petition. Here it is an opportunity for preaching the word, which would be best afforded by his release from prison (Co1 16:9; Co2 2:12; Plm 1:22; Rev 3:8). to speak--so that we may speak. the mystery of Christ-- (Col 1:27). for which . . . also--on account of which I am (not only "an ambassador," Eph 6:20, but) ALSO in bonds.”

“Withal - With all the supplications which you offer for other persons and things; or at the same time that you pray for them. Praying also for us - Notes, Ephesians 6:19-20; compare 2 Corinthians 1:11; Philippians 1:19; Hebrews 13:18-19. That God would open to us a door of utterance - To preach the gospel. He earnestly desired to have liberty to preach the gospel, and asked them to pray that this might be restored to him; see the notes at Ephesians 6:19. To speak the mystery of Christ - Called in Ephesians 6:19, the “mystery of the gospel;” see the notes there. For which I also am in bonds - A prisoner at Rome; Notes, Ephesians 6:20. return to 'Top of Page'”

“That God would open to us a door of utterance - That is, give us utterance, that we "may open our mouth boldly," Eph 6:19, and give us an opportunity of speaking, so that none may be able to hinder. Colossians 4:6”

“4:3 that God will give us many opportunities (literally that God might open for us a door): An open door is a metaphor for an opportunity to proclaim the Good News (see also Acts 14:27; 1 Cor 16:9; 2 Cor 2:12). • his mysterious plan concerning Christ: See Col 1:26-27; 2:2. • That is why I am here in chains: Paul’s dedication to preaching the Good News had led to his imprisonment (see Colossians Book Introduction, “Date and Occasion of Writing”).”

“praying: Rom 15:30-32; Eph 6:19; Phi 1:19; Th1 5:25; Plm 1:22; Heb 13:18, Heb 13:19 that: Co1 16:9; Co2 2:12; Th2 3:1, Th2 3:2; Rev 3:7, Rev 3:8 a door: The term door is used metaphorically for an entrance to any business, or occasion or opportunity of doing any thing; and consequently "a door of utterance" is an opportunity of preaching the gospel successfully. See the parallel texts. the mystery: Col 1:26, Col 2:2, Col 2:3; Mat 13:11; Co1 4:1; Eph 6:19 for: Eph 3:1, Eph 4:1, Eph 6:20; Phi 1:7, Phi 1:13, Phi 1:14; Ti2 1:16, Ti2 2:9 Colossians 4:4”