Colossians chapter 4

vs 4

The Bible isn't about fiscal equality, which can be a bit of a blow to some of us. There is a level of balancing, but it accepts as reality the division of rich and poor. Instead, the idea is for the poor to be diligent, and the rich to be generous.

vs 2

Do we often think of prayer as requiring alertness? How many of us think "I'd better keep a sharp eye out, so that I know what to pray for"?

vs 3

Open doors are somewhat capricious - not even Paul takes the opportunity every time. But Paul wants the mystery that he has openly proclaimed in this book to be proclaimed elsewhere. He sees it as his message and his work, regardless of the current restraints.

vs 4

Even Paul could have trouble being as clear as he knew he should be. And it's basically his full time job! That takes a lot of guts to admit.

vs 5

And now he expands the ministry to the Colossians and the impact they should be having on their own area. Paul wants the same thing for them - to have opportunities, and for them to make the most of them.

vs 6

Not everyone's a preacher. We know that Paul got up and gave speeches, but that's not his message for Colossae - it was with individuals that they were to be gracious and salty - in their everyday conversation.

vs 7

And is probably carrying this letter to the church, so it's worth introducing him.

vs 8

Every letter that Paul sent, pretty much, came with a human courier who would have also had a message about what was happening where Paul was, how things were going, and so on. It's a part of the message that we simply don't get.

vs 9

Onesimus is most probably the slave from Philemon. Not called a slave here though (Tychicus possibly is!) - instead, called a faithful and dear brother.