Colossians 4:5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Colossians 4:5-6

The apostle exhorts them further to a prudent and decent conduct towards all those with whom they conversed, towards the heathen world, or those out of the Christian church among whom they lived (Col. 4:5): Walk in wisdom towards those who are without. Be careful, in all your converse with them, to get no hurt by them, or contract any of their customs; for evil communications corrupt good manners; and to do not hurt to them, or increase their prejudices against religion, and give them an... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Colossians 4:5-6

4:5-6 Behave yourselves wisely to those who are outside the Church. Buy up every possible opportunity. Let your speech always be with gracious charm, seasoned with the salt of wit, so that you will know the right answer to give in every case. Here are three brief instructions for the life of the Christian in the world. (i) The Christian must behave himself with wisdom and with tact towards those who are outside the Church. He must of necessity be a missionary; but he must know when and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Colossians 4:5

Walk in wisdom ,.... Or wisely, circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise men; See Gill on Ephesians 5:15 . Towards them that are without ; so the Jews used to call the Gentiles, all that were out of their own land, that were not of their nation or religion, who were aliens from them, and strangers to their privileges; and sometimes the unbelieving. Jews bear the same character, see Mark 4:11 . Here it may design such who were not members of this church; so the distinction of those... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 4:5

Walk in wisdom - Act wisely and prudently in reference to them who are without - who yet continue unbelieving Gentiles or persecuting Jews. The Church of Christ was considered an enclosure; a field, or vineyard, well hedged or walled. Those who were not members of it, were considered without; i.e. not under that especial protection and defense which the true followers of Christ had. This has been since called "The pale of the Church," from palus , a stake; or, as Dr. Johnson defines it,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 4:5

Verse 5 5.Walk wisely. He makes mention of those that are without, in contrast with those that are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10.) For the Church is like a city of which all believers are the inhabitants, connected with each other by a mutual relationship, while unbelievers are strangers. But why would he have regard to be had to them, rather than to believers? There are three reasons: first, lest any stumblingblock be put in, the way of the blind, (Leviticus 19:14,) for nothing... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

The coincidences between the Epistle and the incidents in the life of Paul, as recorded in the Acts, is another striking proof of its authenticity. £ In the Acts we read of the persecution to which Paul and Silas were subjected at Philippi, when, in violation of their rights as Roman citizens, they were publicly scourged and cast into prison. In the Epistle, written in the name of Paul and Silas, there is reference to this shameful treatment: "Even after we had suffered before and were... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

We have an account of the origin of the Church of Thessalonica in the Acts of the Apostles. In his second great missionary journey, Paul and his fellow-laborers, Silas and Timothy, had arrived at Alexandria Tress, when he was directed by a vision to cross over the AE gean Sea and repair to Europe. In obedience to this Divine direction, we are informed that loosing from Tress, they came with a straight course to the island of Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis, and from that they... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

With regard to its contents, the Epistle is divided into two parts: the first, comprehending the first three chapters, may be termed historical; the second, including the two last chapters, is practical. The apostle, after saluting the Thessalonians, renders thanks to God for the entrance of the gospel among them, for the mighty efficacy with which it was accompanied, and for the steadfastness of their faith ( 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 .). He alludes to his demeanor when in Thessalonica; how,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

Accordingly the place of writing was Corinth. In our New Testament, at the end of the Epistle, there is appended the note: "The First Epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens." Though such a note is found in the most ancient manuscripts, it is evidently a mistake. The Epistle could not have been written from Athens, for Silas and Timothy were not both there with the apostle; and it was not written until the return of Timothy from Thessalonica, which occurred at Corinth; nor is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

It is erroneous to affirm that this First Epistle to the Thessalonians is devoid of doctrinal statements. The supreme dignity of the Lord Jesus Christ, the spiritual kingdom which he has established in this world, the deliverance from the wrath to come effected by him, the necessity of holiness for salvation, the reign of Christ in heaven, the resurrection of the just, the second advent of Christ, the blessedness of a future state to the righteous and the wrath which awaits the wicked, are all... read more

Group of Brands