Colossians 4
1 Thessalonians 4 can be divided broadly into two parts. First, verses 1 through 12 are exhortations about a holy life as believers. Then, verses 13 through 18 deal with teaching about the resurrection of the dead and the Lord’s return (the Second Coming). The Apostle Paul urges believers to experience real change in daily life, while also conveying messages of hope and comfort.
1verseMasters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
2verseContinue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving,
3versepraying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds,
4versethat I may reveal it as I ought to speak.
5verseWalk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
6verseLet your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
7verseAll my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord.
8verseI am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
9versetogether with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here.
10verseAristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received instructions, “if he comes to you, receive him”),
11verseand Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for God’s Kingdom who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me.
12verseEpaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
13verseFor I testify about him that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.
14verseLuke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.
15verseGreet the brothers who are in Laodicea, with Nymphas and the assembly that is in his house.
16verseWhen this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the letter from Laodicea.
17verseTell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.”
18verseI, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
Exhortations About a Holy Life (4:1-12)
- A request that emphasizes growth: Paul encourages the believers to pursue holiness even more diligently, even though the Thessalonian church is already living according to God’s will.
- Practicing purity and love: In particular, he stresses keeping sexual purity and practicing brotherly love. He advises them to adopt an attitude of life that is distinct from the culture of the Greco-Roman society of that time.
- A quiet and honest life: He exhorts them not to interfere excessively in other people’s matters, to work diligently at their own responsibilities, and to become an example to outsiders by living faithfully and sincerely.
The Lord’s Return and the Hope of the Dead (4:13-18)
- The foundation of hope: Paul distinguishes the grief over the dead from those who have no hope. He reminds believers that those who trust in Jesus Christ have hope of resurrection.
- Explanation of the Second Coming: When the Lord comes, those who have already died will rise first, and then those who are still alive will be together with the Lord forever afterward.
- Words of comfort: Through these promises of the Second Coming, he urges the saints to comfort and strengthen one another and to give one another courage.
Meditation Points
- How am I putting more holiness and honesty into practice in my everyday life?
- Is the hope alive within me bringing comfort and encouragement to the people around me?
Apply It to Me
- Today, take time to check specifically which parts of my life please God and which parts I need to grow in further.
- As you look toward the Lord who will come, make a commitment to keep hope and faithfulness in your daily choices and actions.
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This is the last chapter of Colossians.