Colossians 4

King James Version (1769) · Tap a verse to see it in context

About this chapter

AI-assisted, sourced

Masters are to treat their servants justly, "knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven." Paul asks the Colossians to continue in prayer and pray for him in his bonds, to "walk in wisdom toward them that are without," and to let their speech be "alway with grace, seasoned with salt." He sends Tychicus and Onesimus with news, passes on greetings from Aristarchus, Mark, Epaphras, Luke and others, and signs, "Remember my bonds." Colossians 4:1 Colossians 4:2 Colossians 4:3 Colossians 4:5 Colossians 4:6 Colossians 4:7 Colossians 4:9 Colossians 4:10 Colossians 4:12 Colossians 4:14 Colossians 4:18 Colossians overview

Who, where, when, and the key verses

Who

Paul names Tychicus, Onesimus "who is one of you," Aristarchus his fellowprisoner, Marcus "sister's son to Barnabas," Jesus called Justus, Epaphras, "Luke, the beloved physician," Demas, Nymphas, and Archippus. Colossians 4:7 Colossians 4:9 Colossians 4:10 Colossians 4:11 Colossians 4:12 Colossians 4:14 Colossians 4:15 Colossians 4:17 Colossians overview

Where

Colosse, with greetings to the brethren in Laodicea and mention of Hierapolis. The letter is to be read also "in the church of the Laodiceans." Colossians 4:13 Colossians 4:15 Colossians 4:16 Laodicea Hierapolis Colossians overview

When

Paul is "in bonds" as he writes. Traditionally about AD 60-62, during Paul's imprisonment in Rome. Many scholars think a follower wrote it in Paul's name, about AD 70-90; many others accept that Paul wrote it. Colossians 4:3 Colossians 4:18 Colossians overview

How it fits

Verse 1 finishes the household instructions of chapter 3, and the rest of the chapter closes the letter. Onesimus, who comes with Tychicus, is "a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you"; Philemon 1:10 also speaks of "my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds." Colossians 3:22 Colossians 4:1 Colossians 4:9 Philemon 1:10

Key verses

Verse 2
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray without ceasing." Colossians 4:2 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Verse 6
"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." 1 Peter 3:15 says to be "ready always to give an answer to every man." Colossians 4:5 Colossians 4:6 1 Peter 3:15
Verse 17
"Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it." Colossians 4:17

Takeaway

Keep praying with thanksgiving, use your time well with outsiders, and let your words be gracious; faithful fellowworkers are "a comfort" in the work of the gospel. Colossians 4:2 Colossians 4:5 Colossians 4:6 Colossians 4:11

Drafted by AI from the Scripture and data shown under “Show sources,” then checked automatically and by a separate AI reader. Updated 2026-10-29.

Masters

¹Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Prayer and wise speech

²Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; ³Withal 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: ⁴That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. ⁵Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. ⁶Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

News and greetings

⁷All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: ⁸Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; ⁹With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. ¹⁰Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) 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. 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. ¹³For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. ¹⁴Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. ¹⁵Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. 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. ¹⁷And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. ¹⁸The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.