(3) A door of utterance.—Comp. a similar phrase in 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12. There, however, the opened door is the door of external opportunity; here the “door of utterance” is the removal of all internal impediments to preaching. read more
The Claim of the Outsider Colossians 4:5 I. Note the distinction here assumed, 'them that are without,' which necessarily implies them that are within. This distinction is assumed throughout the New Testament. (1) The reality of this division. We serve one master: on the best of authority we affirm this. We obey one law; the higher law of the mind, or the lower of the flesh. We develop one character. Our character is the outcome of one dominant idea, one reigning purpose, one master-passion.... read more
Chapter 4 PRECEPTS FOR THE INNERMOST AND OUTERMOST LIFE Colossians 4:2-6 (R.V.)So ends the ethical portion of the Epistle. A glance over the series of practical exhortations, from the beginning of the preceding chapter onwards, will show that, in general terms we may say that they deal successively with a Christian’s duties to himself, the Church, and the family. And now, these last advices touch the two extremes of life, the first of them having reference to the hidden life of prayer, and the... read more
CHAPTER 4 1. Prayer and ministry (Colossians 4:2-4 ) 2. Walking in wisdom (Colossians 4:5-6 ) 3. The fellowship of the saints in their service (Colossians 4:7-17 ) 4. The conclusion (Colossians 4:18 ) Colossians 4:2-4 The first verse of this chapter belongs to the preceding one. Prayer is the most needed thing for those who are risen with Christ and know that they are complete in Him. Without continued prayer the full realization of the great truths unfolded in this Epistle is impossible.... read more
4:3 {3} Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a {a} door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:(3) Those who minister the word, must especially be entrusted to the prayers of the Church.(a) An open and free mouth to preach the Gospel. read more
There is no reason for a chapter division at this point, for the responsibility of masters is closely linked with that of servants, which we have seen would include the relationship between employers and employees or teachers and students. A believing master is called upon to be totally impartial in caring for the needs of his servants, giving to his servants what is just and fair (v.1). What is just is what is right as before God. What is fair is what does not favor one above another. This is... read more
THE HORTATORY PART The Christian being “dead with Christ,” is dead “from the rudiments of the world”; in other words, worldly methods of obtaining “perfection” are something with which he has nothing to do. Why then should he act to the contrary, “after the commandments and doctrines of men” (Colossians 2:20 ; Colossians 2:22 )? Why should he ascribe salvation or any part of it, to things which “perish with the using”? Why should he come under a law which says “touch not, taste not,... read more
(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 always with grace, seasoned with... read more
A door of speech; i.e. of free speech to preach the gospel. (Witham) read more
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Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Colossians 4:2-18
[7.Conclusion of the Epistle.(1)FINAL EXHORTATION to prayer (especially for St. Paul himself), and to wisdom towards those without, both in deed and in word (Colossians 4:2-6).(2)COMMENDATION of Tychicus and Onesimus (Colossians 4:7-9).(3)SALUTATION from Aristarchus, Marcus, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, Demas (Colossians 4:10-14).(4)CHARGE to this Church to exchange greetings and letters with the Laodicean Church, and special charge to Archippus (Colossians 4:15-17).(5)FINAL SALUTATION (Colossians... read more