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Colossians
Chapter Four
I.
Content of the Chapter
The Principles of Christians’ Life
A. How the masters deal with the bondservants
(v.1);
B. How to pray (v.2-4);
C. How to deal with those who are outside
(v.5);
Introductions, Greetings and Exhortations
A. Concerning Tychicus and Onesimus (v.7-9);
B. Concerning Aristarchus,
Mark and Justus (v.10-11);
C. Concerning Epaphras (v.12-13);
D. Concerning Luke and
Demas (v.14);
E. Concerning the church in Laodicea and
Nymphas (v.15-16);
F. Concerning Archippus (v.17);
G. Paul’s salutation by his
own hand (v.18);
II.
Verse by Verse Commentary
Col. 4:1 “Masters, give your
bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in
heaven.”
YLT: “The masters! that which is righteous and equal to the
servants give ye, having known that ye also have a Master in the heavens.”
Meaning of Words: “just and fair”:
equitable, equal and right;
Literal
Meaning: “give your bondservants what
is just and fair”: deal with the
bondservants in an equitable, fair and equal manner;
“Knowing that you also have a Master in heaven”, it means that the masters shall deal with
the bondservants equally for the sake of not only the law on the earth but also
the Lord in heaven ---- He is the Lord of all, to whom the masters will give
their account.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The meaning of “equality” in Christianity is
deeper and more practical than “that” in the law or human relationship.
Therefore, only in the Lord there is true “equality”.
2) The reign of Christ is the bulwark of the
righteousness and liberty among men. Where there is no Christ, there is no true
righteousness. Where there is no Christ, there is no true liberty.
3) The masters shall treat their bondservants
justly and fairly. And the masters
are neither allowed to focus their eyes on individual profits without thinking
of the servants, nor treat them dishonestly or dock their wages.
4) Man’s power and wealth are of God.
Therefore, every man should give his account to God concerning how he uses
power and wealth.
5) We should honor men’s right of life. Though
“what we have” are different, it is the same of “what we are”. No matter the
masters or the bondservants, both of them are created by God.
6) No man can interrupt a mighty and wealthy
man with how he uses his power and wealth. Therefore, such man tends to abuse
his power and wealth. This is the danger of him.
7) If you are kind to others, God will be kind
to you. He is a righteous God, and yet never respects of persons.
Col. 4:2 “Continue earnestly in
prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;”
YLT: “In the prayer continue ye, watching in it in
thanksgiving;”
Meaning of Words: “continue earnestly”: be earnest towards, attend continually,
continue, adhere closely to; “being
vigilant”: keep awake,
watch, be watchful;
Literal
Meaning: “continue earnestly in prayer”, keep steadfast and
persevering in prayer without any slothfulness (Luke 11:5-13; Eph. 6:18). It
unveils that the one who prays keeps confiding in God and waiting for the will
of God all the time.
“In it”: in prayer;
“Being vigilant with thanksgiving”, “being vigilant”:
do not let anything divide our heart;
The whole verse means that we shall continue
earnestly in prayer by watching and thanksgiving and be vigilant in
thanksgiving.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) This verse points out the three key
elements: perseverance, vigilance and thanksgiving. None of these three can be
excluded.
2) Believers generally know about the
importance of prayer. However, prayer is the matter mostly ignored in our
individual life.
3) Prayer is not a casual matter, but a kind of
persevering labor.
4) Prayer is not only a kind of spiritual
fellowship or enjoyment, but also a kind of service.
5) Strictly speaking, prayer is also believers’
spiritual warfare in order to deal with the worst enemy, Satan.
6) If we desire to continue earnestly in
prayer, we have to be vigilant. Both of them are inseparable parts in spiritual
life. If one is not watchful in prayer, he will be unable to continue in prayer
or receive effects.
7) If one is too comfortable in his fleshly
life and too smooth in his daily life, he may ignore prayers.
8) Thanksgiving is the main element in prayer.
Thanksgiving cannot be missed in prayer, because when we have fellowship with
God, we touch Him with thanksgiving. Once we give thanks, our spirit will
become alive.
9) If one has a grateful heart, his prayer will
never be tedious or dreary. If one has a watchful spirit, he will not feel weary
in prayer.
10) This verse unveils the prayers that God
pleases:
a)
It is not only
“prayer” for oneself but also “fellowship” with God.
b)
It is continuous, so
we have to “continue earnestly” in prayer.
c)
It is not only done
with mouth, but also with the whole heart, so we have to “be vigilant”.
d)
It cannot be done by
ourselves, but by God, so we have to “give thanks”.
Col. 4:3 “meanwhile praying also for
us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of
Christ, for which I am also in chains,”
YLT: “praying at the same time also for us, that God may open
to us a door for the word, to speak the secret of the Christ, because of which
also I have been bound,”
Literal
Meaning: “open to us a door for the
word”, it means giving the
chance to preach the word。
“To speak the mystery of Christ”, the operation and fulfillment of the eternal
will of God are in Christ, so He is the content of the gospel. The mystery of
Christ is opened and or revealed to men only when Christ is introduced and
revealed to men.
“For which I am also in chains”, Paul was imprisoned for the sake of preaching
Christ.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Whether a preacher is able to fulfill his
ministry is significantly connected with the prayers of common believers. Every
believer has great responsibility for the growth of the church.
2) Paul prays for them firstly (Col. 1:3, 9)
and then asks them to pray for him. He who is indisposed to pray for others is
unworthy of asking others to pray for him.
3) Paul does not ask believers to pray for his
own profit (e.g. the release of him), but for the preachment of the gospel.
Therefore, the starting point of prayer is still for all, not for oneself.
4) We do not ask God to lighten or prevent the
burdens of our works by prayers, but ask Him to enable us to fulfill the works
entrusted to us.
5) Today, many believers are willing to support
the life and works of the preachers by money, but only few are disposed to
spare time to pray for the preachers.
6) Though we have no eloquence to preach, if we
are able to pray for the preachers, we have just partaken of their eloquence
---- prayer can dominate the gifts of God.
7) The earnest prayer of a believer who is of
the least learning and lowest status can still fulfill great works. Therefore,
every believer is able to have part in the building of the church through
prayers for the Lord’s workers.
8) If God does not open the door for the word
or give the chance for us to preach, we can do nothing. Moreover, even though
the door for the word is open, we still need to pray to God.
9) Whether there is “opportunity” for the
gospel is one thing, and whether one is able to “preach” the gospel is another
one. And the “opening” of the gospel does not rely on the eloquence of men, but
the gracious gift of God.
10) The word Paul shall “preach” is none other
than “the mystery of Christ”. Today, what the preacher preaches is the gospel
irrelevant to Christ ---- the social gospel etc. Paul says that is not gospel,
but another gospel (Gal. 1:6-7).
11) Christ is the only gospel of men. Only if
men in the world hear Christ, can they be delivered from sins or the world.
Only when we Christians have heard more of Christ and known Him deeper, will we
be saved from all the difficulties like the flesh, selves, the laws, the letter
etc. so as to enter into the salvation deeper.
12) Paul prays at the outset of this epistle
(Col. 1:3), as well as in the end. The former is prayer for them, and the
latter is the demand for them to pray for him. However, the center of prayer
still remains in the gospel. The gospel is the theme of our prayers all our
life.
Col. 4:4 “that I may make it
manifest, as I ought to speak.”
YLT: “that I may manifest it, as it behoveth me to speak;”
Meaning of Words: “make manifest”: expose, reveal;
Literal
Meaning: “as I ought to speak”, speak not more or less; what he speaks is
according to the true meaning of the right topic and explains the profound
things in a simple way.
“It”: “the mystery of Christ”;
“Make
it manifest”, make it
understood, or seen or revealed;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The mystery of Christ cannot be utterly
revealed by man’s words.
2) Even a gifted man like Paul finds it
difficult to manifest the mystery of Christ with proper words, not to say the
common preachers. Therefore, they should not preach flippantly without close
reliance upon God.
Col. 4:5 “Walk in wisdom toward those
who are outside, redeeming the time.”
YLT: “in wisdom walk ye toward those without, the time
forestalling;”
Meaning of Words: “redeem”: buy up, ransom, rescue from loss;
“time”: opportunity, season, occasion; “walk”: tread all around, follow, be
occupied with;
Literal
Meaning: “redeeming the time”, there are two aspects of meaning: 1) we
have to pay the price to “buy up” the time that is spent in vanity and spend
every hour well; 2) every hour is the “opportunity” given by God to us. We
shall seize every opportunity to lead a meaningful life.
This verse encourages us to “seize the opportunity” to preach the gospel
of Christ (see 2Tim. 4:2)
“Walk
in wisdom toward those who are outside”,
“those who are
outside”: the unbelievers
outside of the church; the whole verse means that believers shall walk in
wisdom among the unbelievers so as not to offend unbelievers or cause their
misunderstanding.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The true wisdom of men is manifested in two
points: one is making good use of time, and the other is having good contact
with those who are outside.
2) Time is the best precious matter in the
world. Once a quarter is passed, a
quarter is decreased. Believers shall not waste time, but shall redeem our time
and devote it to the Lord.
3) Our spiritual life is not tomorrow, but the
present. One who does not seize opportunity does not cherish the present. That
is to say, if one is unable to meet God or serve God at present, he is the one
who is of the least prosperity.
4) Someone says, “We would rather love the past
than the present. Yesterday is over and tomorrow is not in our hands. Only the
present is worthy to be loved.”
5) The best way of testifying the gospel for
believers is their daily conversation (Phil. 1:27) and words (Col. 4:6). And
the conversation of a believer is connected with how he applies his time.
6) In fact, seldom has man believed the Lord
for being persuaded. Therefore, we Christians should remember one thing ---- we
have to attract men to receive Christ by the testimony of life, not words.
7) The wisest way of getting along with those
who are outside is living out Christ before them and letting them always see
God from us.
Col. 4:6 “Let your speech always be
with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each
one.”
YLT: “your word always in grace -- with salt being seasoned
-- to know how it behoveth you to answer each one.”
Meaning of Words: “grace”: graciousness, favor, gratitude,
thanks; “season”: prepare, spice with stimulating condiments;
Literal
Meaning: “let your speech always be
with grace”, it means that one’s speech is gentle, kind and
sober, and not rude or abrupt so as not to cause the antipathy of others or
embarrassment.
“Seasoned with salt”,
salt can be used to season. On one hand, it
indicates that we Christians shall have wise words, not give dull and tedious
and rigid sermon. On the other hand, the words are meaningful, thus bringing
about reconciliation to men in the world and leading them to turn to Christ
gradually.
“That you may know how you ought to answer each one”, if we have practice in words, we will
know what kind of word is suitable to answer those who need the gospel (1Pet.
3:15).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Christians should speak carefully so as not
to humiliate the name of the Lord.
2) If believers often receive “grace” from the
Lord in their daily life, their words will be seasoned with “grace”
unconsciously. Thus, they have spiritual power to speak to inspire others.
3) If we lack grace in words, it must be caused
by our lack of prayers (v.2). If we pray for everything, we must be grateful to
God and show grace to others.
4) The words of believers should be as salt,
coordinating the interpersonal relationship and making peace instead of
disputes.
5) The words of believers should be sapid, not
tasteless. And seasoning is a kind of art, which should be acquired by heart.
Man has to put in time and effort in order to let his word seasoned with salt.
6) Whether the words are appropriate has a lot
to do with the result of the preachment of the gospel. The wise wins souls
(Pro. 11:30). Christians should speak with influence and wisdom and know how to
respond.
7) We shall not always rebuke when we preach the
gospel so as not to raise an antipathy among those who hear the gospel and make
them close the door of their heart.
8) Many unbelievers do not come to seek the
word for the purpose of the pursuit of the truth, but for the purpose of
creating difficulties for believers or refuting them. Therefore, we have to
prepare ourselves to answer carefully for the Lord.
Col. 4:7 “Tychicus, a beloved
brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all
the news about me.”
YLT: “All the things concerning me make known to you shall
Tychicus -- the beloved brother, and faithful ministrant, and fellow-servant in
the Lord --”
Meaning of Words: “Tychicus”: fortuitous,
fortunate; “faithful”: trustworthy, sure, ture; “minister”:
deacon, attendant; “servant”: slave, ministrant;
The Background: “Tychicus”, it was said that he was the messenger
sent by Paul to send this epistle; he sent the epistle to the church in Ephesus
(Eph. 6:21) for Paul.
Literal
Meaning: “a beloved brother”, a member of the
family of God;
“Faithful minister”, a member who shoulders some service in the church;
“And fellow servant in the Lord”, a member in the fellow-workers;
This verse indicates that the workers have
close relationship with the church. And the church at that time could not but
care for the conditions of the Lord’s workers. Therefore, Paul not only wrote
to the church in Colosse but also sent someone to tell them all things about
him.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) It is the necessary condition for the Lord’s
servants ---- love men and keep faithfulness to the Lord.
2) The fellow workers ought to love one another
and cooperate with each other and be the Lord’s servants together. Today, the
common phenomenon is: the fellow workers may attack against and intrigue
against each other and not bear one another.
Col. 4:8 “I am sending him to you for
this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,”
YLT: “whom I did send unto you for this very thing, that he
might know the things concerning you, and might comfort your hearts,”
Meaning of Words: “send”: dispatch, transmit; “comfort”: encourage, exhort;
Literal
Meaning: “I am sending him to you for
this very purpose”, Paul was imprisoned at that time. And it was far
away from Rome to Colosse. And the journey was rather uneasy then, so Paul said
he sent him “for this very purpose”.
“Comfort your hearts”, Paul feared the church in Colosse was
discouraged by his imprisonment, so he specially sent Tychicus to comfort and encourage them.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Though Paul fell in difficulties himself, he
still considered others. A true worker of the Lord cares for the children of
God, not himself.
2) Paul’s circumstances can become the comfort of believers in the church
in Colosse. Such “circumstances” must not refer to his external conditions,
but his internal conditions and attitudes.
3) The normal circumstances of believers will comfort those who have heard it.
Contrarily, the abnormal circumstances will make those who have heard
sorrowful.
4) We shall also learn from the examples of
believers in Colosse who often care for the conditions of the Lord’s workers,
for they are often concerned about us for the sake of the Lord.
Col. 4:9 “with Onesimus, a faithful
and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things
which are happening here.”
YLT: “with Onesimus the faithful and beloved brother, who is
of you; all things to you shall they make known that here.”
Meaning of Words: “Onesimus”: profitable;
The Background: “Onesimus” was a slave, a bondservant in the house of
Philemon who was a believer in the church in Colosse. He had ever escaped from
his master secretly and met Paul in Rome and was saved because of the gospel
Paul preached. Paul took this opportunity to send him back and asked Philemon
to accept and forgive him (Philem. 8-19).
Literal
Meaning: “with Onesimus, a faithful
and beloved brother”, it indicated that Onesimus was truly changed after he was saved and he loved
Paul and did all things entrusted to him.
“Who is one of you”,
here Paul emphasized that he was one of you and was the same with you.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) In the church, no matter one’s background in
the past was, we are all beloved brothers in Christ without any distinction.
2) We shall see the present of a man, not his
past. And we shall not judge or treat a man according to his failure in the
past.
Col. 4:10 “Aristarchus my fellow
prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received
instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),”
YLT: “Salute you doth Aristarchus, my fellow-captive, and
Marcus, the nephew of Barnabas, (concerning whom ye did receive commands -- if
he may come unto you receive him,)”
Meaning of Words: “Aristarchus”:
best ruling; “Barnabas”: son of comfort; “cousin”: sister’s son; “Mark”: who is courteous; “instructions”: commandments, orders; “receive”: accept,
take;
The Background: “Aristarchus”, a fellow worker of Paul, who often
accompanied Paul in the journey to preach the word of God (see Acts 19:29;
20:4; 27:2).
“The
cousin of Barnabas”, the author of the Gospel of Mark, who was also called
John. In the first missionary journey of Paul, he carried Mark with him.
Possibly, Mark could not bear the hardships in the journey and draw back in the
midway (Acts.13:5). Before starting out for the second missionary journey,
there arouse a sharp contention between Paul and Barnabas, so that they
separated from one another (Acts 15:36-40). More than a decade had passed when
Paul wrote this epistle. We can infer from this epistle that Mark had been
already forgiven and appreciated by Paul and became a good helper of Paul
(2Tim. 4:11)
Literal
Meaning: “about whom you received
instructions”, Mark might be
sent by Paul to visit and confirm the local churches in many places. Paul
specially wrote an official letter to introduce Mark.
“If he comes to you”,
it suggests that he is just about to start
or he is on the way.
“Welcome him”,
possibly, Paul is afraid that they do not trust in Mark because of his past.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Aristarchus might be disposed to “accompany” Paul in
prison. Only the one who really loves and fears his brothers can devote himself
for them and accompany them to suffer the tribulations together.
2) We can learn from the story between Paul and
Mark and the transformation later (see “the background”) that:
a)
The spiritual
conditions of the fellow workers decide whether they can work together. If
their conditions are worse, they must not work together.
b)
Though we shall not
agree with the present weakness of brothers, we shall still not judge
immediately. Some day, his condition may be changed by the grace of the Lord.
And we shall still work with him together without any grudge against him.
c)
Mark, who was
well-cared for and unable to bear much labor, was changed completely. The
precondition of the Lord’s worker is ---- labor for the Lord (Acts 20:35).
d)
Paul has a wide mind
and lets the history of Mark go ---- he is the example of the Lord’s workers.
It is not fearful of the contention or misunderstand or complains among the
fellow workers, but is fearful that they are unable to bear and forgive one
another and be reconciled again.
e)
At this time, Paul’s
attitude towards Mark is on one hand due to the change of Mark and on the other
hand the softer spirit and wider mind of Paul to the fellow workers, proving
that the measure of Christ in him indeed increases. If we are always strict
with and unkind to our fellow workers, it shows that we have little growth in
Christ.
Col. 4:11 “and Jesus who is called
Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the
circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.”
YLT: “and Jesus who is called Justus, who are of the
circumcision: these only fellow-workers for the reign of God who did become a
comfort to me.”
Meaning of Words: “Jesus”: savior; “Justus”: just; “comfort”: consolation;
Literal
Meaning: “Jesus”, at that
time, there were also other men of the Jews who were called “Jesus” (Acts
13:6). Therefore, he was also called “Justus”.
“Who are
of the circumcision”: the Jews;
“These
are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God”, the
kingdom of God includes the Jews
and the Gentile believers. And Paul’s service is mainly towards the Gentiles
(Acts 9:15; Gal. 2:9). Therefore, most of those who are with Paul and please to
receive his dispatching are Gentile believers. Only the three Jewish believers
---- Aristarchus, Mark and Jesus ---- are disposed to work
together with Paul among the Gentiles.
Enlightenment
in the Word: the Lord’s servants
should surpass the idea of race and blood relationship.
Col. 4:12 “Epaphras, who is one of
you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in
prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”
YLT: “Salute you doth Epaphras, who of you, a servant of
Christ, always striving for you in the prayers, that ye may stand perfect and
made full in all the will of God,”
Meaning of Words: “labor fervently”: struggle, strive; “complete”: accomplish, full;
“perfect”: complete; “stand”: abide, establish;
Literal
Meaning: there are several
features of Epaphras:
1) “Always”: continue to pray
persistently;
2) “For you”: not for oneself, but for the
church ---- bring men to God in prayers;
3) “Laboring fervently”: spare no effort in a striving spirit;
4) “Prayers”: it is not aimless
prayer, but prayer with a particular purpose;
5) Pray that the church shall be “complete” and
stand firm;
This verse suggests that he cares for the church in
Colosse and fears that they are deceived by the heretical doctrines.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Prayers is the most fundamental and
important element for a servant of the Lord.
2) The condition of the “spirit” of the one who
prays can be felt and discerned by others.
3) The prayer of Epaphras is the same with the
prayer of Paul for the church in Colosse (see Col. 1:9). Both of them are of
the same mind and often pray together and thus they have touched the need of
the church.
Col. 4:13 “For I bear him witness that
he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in
Laodicea.”
YLT: “for I do testify to him, that he hath much zeal for
you, and those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.”
Meaning of Words: “Laodicea”: justice, judgment
of the people; “Laodicea”: holy city; “great”: much, abundant; “zeal”: heat, fervent mind; “bear witness”: testify, be well reported of;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Though prayer is a kind of enjoyment, it is
also a kind of “zealous” service. Especially, when we pray for the church, we
shall resist the evil power fervently.
2) Epaphras is the fellow worker in the church
in Colosse, and he still cares for the condition of the local church nearby.
The Lord’s workers should not care for only the works of the church they are in
but ignore other local churches.
Col. 4:14 “Luke the beloved physician
and Demas greet you.”
YLT: “Salute you doth Lukas, the beloved physician, and
Demas;”
Meaning of Words: “Luke”: illuminative, shining; “Demas”:
that of the people;
Literal
Meaning: “Luke the beloved physician”, the writer of the Gospel of Luke and the
Book of Acts; probably, Paul gained him during the second missionary
journey of Paul (Acts 16:8-10, “they” has become “we”). From then on, Luke
followed Paul all the way and accompanied him to Rome (Acts 28:14).
“Demas”, the fellow worker of Paul (Philem. 24), he loved the world and
rejected Paul later (2Tim. 4:10). Paul here did not mention any word of praise
concerning Demas. Possibly, he had already found the problem in the spirit of
Demas.
Col. 4:15 “Greet the brethren who are
in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.”
YLT: “salute ye those in Laodicea -- brethren, and Nymphas,
and the assembly in his house;”
Meaning of Words: “Nymphas”: bridegroom;
Literal
Meaning: “the church that is in his
house”, it was inferred
that the church in Laodicea was in the house of Nymphas.
Apparently, this verse mentions three groups of men: 1) “the brethren in
Laodicea”; 2) “Nymphas”; 3) “the church that is in his house”;
However, actually, “Nymphas” is a member if the “the church in his
house”, as well as one member of “the brethren in Laodicea”. And Paul
particularly greets the individual brother Nymphas.
Moreover, “the
brethren who are in Laodicea” emphasize
individual believers; “the
church that is in his house” emphasizes the
corporate church. Therefore, both of them do not refer to two different groups
of men. And therefore, in the next verse, Paul only mentions “the church”, not
“brethren”, for the letter is read before the whole church.
Enlightenment
in the Word: blessed is the
believer who opens his house for the gatherings of the church.
Col. 4:16 “Now when this epistle is
read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and
that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.”
YLT: “and when the epistle may be read with you, cause that
also in the assembly of the Laodiceans it may be read, and the from Laodicea
that ye also may read;”
Meaning of Words: “epistle”: letter;
The Background: in the early church time, the New Testament had
not been composed yet. All the churches handed round the letters of the
apostles and then copied them word for word and kept them for reading. That is
the origin of the so-called “old scriptures”. Afterwards, the New Testament was
compiled after the confirmation in “the Great Conference in Carthage” 397 AD,
including 27 books altogether ---- the
Book of Colossians was among the New Testament.
Literal
Meaning: “the epistle from Laodicea”: the
Book of Ephesians written by Paul; according to the textual research of the
Bible scholars, the Book of Ephesians was
an official letter to the churches in Asia Minor. Therefore, in the best old
scriptures, there was not the word “in Ephesus” in the first chapter, verse
one.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The revelation and guidance of the Spirit
given to one certain local church shall also be delivered to all the local
churches (Rev. 2:7). Therefore, if any of all the churches has some message of
the Lord, that church shall pass it to one another. If any of all the churches
has the messenger (worker) of the Lord, that church shall still have fellowship
with each other.
2) All the local churches are “one body” of
Christ (1Cor. 10:17). Concerning the organization, the administration of each
local church is separated without being attached to anyone or any group.
Concerning the spiritual relationship, all the local churches have fellowship
with one another.
Col. 4:17 “And say to Archippus,
"Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you
may fulfill it."”
YLT: “and say to Archippus, `See to the ministration that
thou didst receive in the Lord, that thou mayest fulfil it.'”
Meaning of Words: “Archippus”: horse-ruler;
“take heed to”: behold, look; “ministry”: attendance, minister, service;
Literal
Meaning: “Archippus”, a believer in the church in Colosse,
there was very likelihood that he was the son of Philemon (Philem. 2).
Probably, when Epaphras remained in Rome, he entrusted the great responsibility
of shepherding the church in Colosse to Archippus. Therefore, Paul exhorted him
to take heed to his ministry, lest the heretical doctrines should deceive
believers.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) We shall never ignore, but take heed to all
the ministries entrusted by the Lord, no matter large or small, significant or
insignificant.
2) What the Lord asks for His servants is
“faithfulness and prudence” (Matt. 24:45). “Take heed to”
---- it is the manifestation of prudence; “the ministry” ---- it is the manifestation of
faithfulness;
Col. 4:18 “This salutation by my own
hand--Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.”
YLT: “The salutation by the hand of me, Paul; remember my
bonds; the grace with you. Amen.”
Literal
Meaning: after Paul’s
exhortation and greeting from verse seven to seventeen, he gave the salutation “by his own hand”, for the most of Paul’s
epistles were dictated by him and written by others (Rom. 16:22). At the end of
the epistle, Paul wrote his name as a sign (2Thess. 3:17) and presented the
salutation.
III.
Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons
The
Dual Aspects of the Life of Christians
A. To God ---- prayer (v.2-4);
B. To men in the world ---- testimony (v.5-6);
The Manifestations
of Redeeming the Time
A. Continue earnestly in
prayer (v.2);
B. Be vigilant in it with thanksgiving(v.2);
C. Pray for others (v.3-4);
D. Proclaim Christ (v.3-4);
E. Walk in wisdom toward those
who are outside (v.5-6);
The Relations of
Paul with Tychicus (v.7)
A. A beloved brother
---- love one another;
B. A faithful minister ---- share joys and sorrows;
C. A fellow servant
---- work together;
Redeem the Time
A. The reason for redeeming the time ---- for
the Lord is the master of all (v.1);
B. The manifestations for redeeming the time
(v.2-6);
1. Continue earnestly in
prayer;
2. Be vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
3. Walk in wisdom toward those
who are outside;
C. The examples for redeeming the time
(v.7-15);
1. Tychicus ---- a faithful servant of the Lord;
2. Onesimus ---- his change after he was saved;
3. Aristarchus ---- be in prison for the Lord;
4. Mark ---- though he was failed, he has now
turned back;
5. Jesus ---- a fellow worker of Paul, who is a
comfort to Paul;
6. Epaphras ---- labor fervently
for the church in prayers;
7. Luke ---- follow Paul and love him;
8. Nymphas ---- open his house to the church;
D. The exhortations for redeeming the time
(v.16-18):
1. Read the epistles ---- receive the spiritual
teaching;
2. Exhortations to Archippus ---- exhort others;
3. Remember the servant of God’s servants ----
care for the Lord’s workers;