New Testament · Letter

Colossians 4

Gracious Speech

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt. Paul sends greetings from his companions and asks for prayer that doors keep opening.

King James Version BSB KJV

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

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.

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.

Understand This

Colossians 4, explained

What Colossians 4 is saying

Paul concludes with practical instructions: masters must treat slaves justly, recognizing their own heavenly Master. He requests persistent, watchful prayer for his ministry, particularly for open doors to proclaim the mystery of Christ. His counsel to conduct oneself wisely toward outsiders and to let speech be gracious and ‘seasoned with salt’ addresses the church’s missional posture. The letter closes with an extensive list of co-workers—Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, and Demas—revealing Paul’s collaborative ministry network. The instruction to exchange letters with Laodicea suggests an early circulation of Pauline correspondence.

The background behind it

The mention of Onesimus links this letter to Philemon, placing both in the same imprisonment period. The reference to a lost letter to Laodicea has generated centuries of speculation. Demas, mentioned positively here, is later described as having deserted Paul (2 Timothy 4:10).

Themes running underneath

The missional orientation of Christian speech and conduct emerges as a key concern—believers represent Christ to those outside the community. The extensive personal greetings demonstrate that Pauline theology was never merely abstract doctrine but always embedded in real human relationships and collaborative ministry.

Why it still matters

The instruction to make the most of every opportunity and speak with grace challenges believers to view every conversation as potentially significant. The co-worker list also reminds us that gospel work is always a team effort, never a solo performance.

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Scripture text: King James Version — public domain.