FocusResponsibility and wise witness
Connection to the wholeThe household instruction closes, and the church is directed toward persevering prayer and gracious conduct toward those outside.
interpretation Colossians 4:5
KJVWalk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Read it in context
Masters, prayer, and speech
Start reading at Colossians 4:1 (Colossians 4:1 to Colossians 4:6).
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 household instruction closes, and the church is directed toward persevering prayer and gracious conduct toward those outside.
- 4:1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
- 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
- 4:3 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:
- 4:4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
- 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
- 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
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? Masters, prayer, and speech. Read Colossians 4:1 through Colossians 4:6 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The household instruction closes, and the church is directed toward persevering prayer and gracious conduct toward those outside. 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 Masters, prayer, and speech (Colossians 4:1 to Colossians 4:6). Start reading at Colossians 4:1. 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
Cited: Colossians 4:1, Colossians 4:6, Colossians 1:18, Colossians 2:9, Colossians 2:12, Colossians 3:1
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself and signs the letter.
Colossians 1:1Colossians 4:18
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question Pauline authorship on stylistic grounds.
Related passages
- Walk Col 3:16 Ps 90:12 Matt 10:16 Rom 16:19 1 Cor 14:19-25 Eph 5:15-17 Jas 1:5 Jas 3:13,17
- them 1 Cor 5:12-13 1 Thess 4:12 1 Tim 3:7 1 Pet 3:1
- redeeming Eph 5:16
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Colossians 4
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.
Colossians 1:1 Colossians 1:2 Colossians 2:8
The closing network of workers
Colossians 4:7–18FocusNews, care, and fulfilled ministry
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
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.
Colossians 1:1 Colossians 1:2 Colossians 2:8
Thanksgiving and prayer
Colossians 1:1–14FocusGrowth in the knowledge of God
Connection to the wholePaul responds to the church's faith and love with prayer for a worthy walk, fruitfulness, and endurance.
interpretation Christ and Paul's ministry
Colossians 1:15–29FocusReconciliation and mature believers
Connection to the wholeChrist's preeminence and reconciling work explain the message and purpose of Paul's labour among the Gentiles.
interpretation Continue in Christ
Colossians 2:1–23FocusFulness, 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.
interpretation FocusConduct, relationships, and witness
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.
interpretation Messengers and greetings
Colossians 4:7–18FocusFellow workers and perseverance
Connection to the wholeThe closing names and instructions reveal the wider fellowship supporting the church and its continued obedience.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.