Context at a Glance
Author:Traditional Attribution
Topic:colossians Chapter 4 Study
This chapter provides a foundational look at the theological themes of colossians, analyzed across multiple historic translations for maximum scholarly depth.
Colossians 4
New Revised Standard Version
2Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.
3At the same time pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison,
4so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.
5Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.
6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Final greetings and instructions
7Tychicus will tell you all the news about me; he is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord.
8I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts;
9he is coming with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
10Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions — if he comes to you, welcome him.
11And Jesus who is called Justus greets you. These are the only ones of the circumcision among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always wrestling in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in everything that God wills.
13For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.
14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.
15Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
16And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea.
17And say to Archippus, "See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord."
18I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
1THESSALONIANS
4291 THESSALONIANS Introduction First Thessalonians is a friendly, exhortative letter of encouragement. Paul extends affectionate praise for the audience's steadfast hope (1.3) and consistent behavior (4.1, 9). A stirring recounting of his separation from the community (2.17-3.7) reveals the community's affection for him. Allusions to family life such as "father" (1.1, 3; 2.11; 3.11, 13), "sons" (1.10; 5.5), and "brothers" (14 instances) also convey a friendly tone. Yet, the numerous imperatives in chs
4and
5convey an exhortative tone as well. This tone also pervades the earlier chapters, for (as with other ancient letters of exhortation) the letter highlights the imitation of models (1.6; 2.14) and the remembrance of a teacher's previous words or deed (2.1-12; 3.4). With the friendly and exhortative tones, moreover, the letter encourages a community that is facing social pressures and perhaps outright persecution to maintain its apocalyptic vigilance. Thessalonica, the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia, was strategically located on both sea and land routes. First Thessalonians, addressed to the congregation there, is Paul's earliest letter. After being mistreated at Philippi (2.2; Acts 16.19-40), Paul went to Thessalonica where he established this congregation. After a painful separation (2.17) and the failure of repeated efforts to return (2.18), Paul dispatched Timothy to Thessalonica from Athens (3.1) while he later moved on to Corinth (Acts 18.1-17). From there, perhaps around
50CE, he wrote this letter. Commencing with a typical though simple Pauline opening (1.1) and ending with a typical Pauline closing (5.23-28), the letter offers repeated encouragement toward steadfastness. A thanksgiving acknowledges the congregation's growth, the gospel's power, and
1THESSALONIANS
430Paul's persistence in prayer (1.2-5). Next, Paul recalls the community's consistency in the reception, proclamation, and early work of the gospel despite ongoing opposition (1.6-2.16). Although 2.14-16 seems anti-Jewish and thus not characteristic of Paul, there is no evidence for a later addition here. Readers should remember that the polemics are directed toward Jewish persecutors of the Judean churches, not all Jews. Such polemics, moreover, resonate with other "intra-Jewish" debates of Paul's day (see, for instance, Josephus Antiquities, 1.15.91; Philo Cherubim, 17). Then, when he recounts the deep anguish of separation (2.17-3.13), Paul notes Timothy's mediation of comfort and his own prayer for a reunion with the congregation. A description of the sanctified life follows along with commendations toward apocalyptic vigilance despite the deaths of loved ones and the temptations of false forms of security (4.1-5.22).