Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Read it in contextThe closing network of workers
Start reading at Colossians 4:7 (Colossians 4:7 to Colossians 4:18).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The messengers and greetings show the church's place among fellow labourers, ending with directions to share the letter and fulfil entrusted ministry.
4:7All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
4:8Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
4:9With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
4:10Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
4:11And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
4:12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
4:13For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
4:14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
4:15Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
4:16And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
4:17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
4:18The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, with Timothy included in the greeting and Paul's own greeting at the close. Biblical references: Colossians 1:1; Colossians 4:18. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Colossians 4:1–4:18): Paul addresses masters, urges the church to pray and act wisely toward outsiders, and sends greetings and instructions involving neighboring churches. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colossae. The letter was also to be read in the church of the Laodiceans. Biblical references: Colossians 1:2; Colossians 4:16. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The closing network of workers. Read Colossians 4:7 through Colossians 4:18 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The messengers and greetings show the church's place among fellow labourers, ending with directions to share the letter and fulfil entrusted ministry. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul writes in bonds and refers to messages carried by fellow workers. The letter does not state a calendar date or name the place of imprisonment. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The saints at Colosse are addressed, with Laodicea and other nearby communities also mentioned. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The closing network of workers (Colossians 4:7 to Colossians 4:18).
Start reading at Colossians 4:7. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter presents Christ's supremacy and declares that the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him bodily. It joins life in Him with baptism, faith in God's operation, and changed conduct. See Colossians 1:18, Colossians 2:9, Colossians 2:12, Colossians 3:1. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Reject teachings and practices that displace Christ while also putting away the conduct the letter condemns. Read warnings about ordinances in the specific argument, not as a blanket dismissal of every command. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Colossians 4
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul and Timothy address the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colosse. The letter presents Christ's sufficiency and supremacy, warns against teaching that displaces Him, and describes the conduct of those who have put on the new man. Verse 1 completes the instruction to servants and masters begun in Colossians 3.
Connection to the wholeThe household instruction closes, and the church is directed toward persevering prayer and gracious conduct toward those outside.
Connection to the wholeThe messengers and greetings show the church's place among fellow labourers, ending with directions to share the letter and fulfil entrusted ministry.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Colossians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul and Timothy address the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colosse. The letter presents Christ's sufficiency and supremacy, warns against teaching that displaces Him, and describes the conduct of those who have put on the new man.
FocusFulness, baptism, and freedom from false demands
Connection to the wholePaul warns against rival teaching by grounding the readers in Christ, His fulness, and their relationship to His death and resurrection.
Connection to the wholeThe readers are called to seek things above and put away the old conduct, applying the new life to households, work, prayer, and speech.