This Week's Study

4:1 Verse one is a continuation of the house code found in chapter 3. Most house codes in ancient times would never mention bondservants, let alone ask masters to be just and fair to them. While this is not an approval of slavery, it does give Christian instructions for those who lived in those situations. These kinds of instructions (to be just and fair) laid the groundwork for the future abolition of slavery in modern society. Elsewhere in scripture, enslaving is condemned.

4:2 Now Paul addresses everyone in the house. All are encouraged to remain steadfast in prayer. Prayer is not just for the head of the house but for all who are in the house. Two additional instructions are included during prayer—watchfulness and thanksgiving. Prayer is not merely some spiritual abandonment; Paul calls for alertness and gratitude, not carelessness.

4:3–4 Paul now asks for personal prayer. He wants them to pray for him and those who are with him. He asks that God may open a door for the word. One would assume that since this is God’s will, he would do it without the need for prayer. But God involves his people in the fulfillment of his will. Prayer is a necessary part of this. This open door was for the declaration of the mystery of Christ. Paul realizes that this is why he is in prison. Additionally, he asks that he might make it clear in his speaking. This shows that it is not merely our own ingenuity and skill but God’s grace on the communicator. Believers ought to pray for opportunity and skill.

4:5–6 Now Paul gives them instructions about those who don’t share their faith. Not only was it Paul’s responsibility to share the gospel, but they were responsible as well. He wants them to walk in wisdom. In this case, this means the best use of the time in their engagement and conversations with unbelievers. Believers should look for divine appointments in their interactions with others—leading to the advancement of the gospel. Paul desires that their speech be gracious, seasoned with salt. This speaks of meaning, effectiveness, and the ability to engage with one’s words. Believers speak with kindness yet effectiveness. This helps them be able to reach each person they engage with. Believers answer the doubts of those outside the faith with compassion and skill.

4:7–9 A faithful shepherd does not desire that his people worry unnecessarily. Therefore, he ensures that they are well informed. Paul cares deeply about this and therefore sends letters through faithful servants. Tychicus is described as a beloved brother and minister and fellow servant. These are qualities all should aspire to. Paul desires that news of him would encourage their hearts. Despite the fact that he is in prison, his perspective on gospel advancement is as strong as ever. Paul also sends Onesimus, a former slave of Philemon. He is similarly described as a faithful and beloved brother.

4:10–18 The final greetings offer us a glimpse of what life was like for Paul and also gives us key insights into faithful Christian service. Not only is Paul a prisoner but Aristarchus was as well—whether literally or figuratively, we do not know. God provides who you need to do his work. Particularly those who have your heart and are willing to suffer alongside you.

In addition, Paul had a few men of the circumcision along with him. Those of Jewish faith were often enemies to his work in the gospel, but Paul was able to reach some. This shows that believers should always be willing to create bridges to reach those who disagree with them.

Paul’s description of Epaphras is an interesting one. He struggles in prayer on behalf of the people of Colossae. We ought to have a heart like that for others. Specifically, he desires for them to be mature and fully assured in God’s will. The development of God’s people requires earnest prayer. He is also described as one who worked hard for them and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. Believers are to work hard and pray hard.

Demas is an interesting character. While he started with Paul in ministry, he did not end with him. He is described as one who fell in love with the world. This shows that everyone who starts with you may not always end with you.

One will note that many of the early churches were house churches. They were small in number but large in impact. Paul desired that his letter be not only read to them but also to the nearby church of the Laodiceans and that they swap what many consider a lost letter. This shows that despite each letter being addressed to a specific group for a specific purpose, they hold value for all people and are authoritative in the church. God’s word is designed to be shared. If it’s a blessing, it is to be shared.

Paul has a simple admonishment to Archippus: to fulfill the ministry that he received in the Lord. We too are called to fulfill our ministry. Ministry is not something you come up with—we receive it from the Lord. God decides how we specifically function in ministry, and it is our job to fulfill our calling.

Paul finishes with a greeting written by his own hands. This was to show proof that this letter was authored by Paul. Timothy likely wrote the letter under Paul’s supervision. If we had originals, we would see the change in penmanship. He asks them to remember his chains. We should, similarly, remember the great sacrifices others have made for the sake of the faith—most importantly, remember the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus. Paul’s final prayer is that God’s grace be with them.