Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Understanding and Interpretation
Paul wrote this letter while he was in prison. It was clearly an unpleasant experience. Yet Paul does not ask for them to appeal to any earthly authority, judge, or ruler. He asks them to pray. Paul, the apostle, asks the Colossians to pray for him. He was in need and coveted their prayers. Even so, he does not ask them to pray for his release or that he is delivered from danger. He does not ask them to pray that he can bear up under the circumstances. He asks that they pray that he can speak the word of God clearly and plainly, for he can only speak as directed and aided by the Lord. He calls the gospel the mystery of Christ, which is why it must be spoken of clearly. Lastly, he mentions his danger.
Paul instructs the Colossians to speak plainly and clearly, with wisdom, to those outside the faith.
Paul sent a Tychicus and Onesimus with this letter. This demonstrates his concern for the Colossians and the gospel. For while he is in prison and in danger of losing his life, he nonetheless sent Tychicus to let them know what is happening. Paul further demonstrates his love by addressing Onesimus. Onesimus was a slave and thief. But here Paul calls him, “our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.”
Onesimus was probably also carrying the letter Paul wrote to Philemon, where he refers to Onesimus. “I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.” Philemon verse 10
We are commanded to pray for each other. This is nothing less than an exercise of love. We should not only pray for each other, but also diligently seek others’ prayers.
Paul calls unbelievers “outsiders.” Why is Paul concerned about those outside the community of believers? There are three reasons. First, “You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind. (Leviticus 19:14) We should be careful not to drive unbelievers from bad to worse by wounds we inflict because of our carelessness. They then would hold Christianity and therefore Christ in more and more abhorrence. Second, we should not give any reason to detract from the honor and glory of the Gospel. If we do, we dishonor Christ’s name, and people become more hostile toward the Gospel. Finally, when we mix with unbelievers in day-to-day living, we are not defiled by their pollutions, and little by little become profane.
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