Colossians 4:2-6
Colossians 4:2-6 (NKJV) Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 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, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
V2 “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving…” The Greek word for “continue” is (G4342) προσκαρτερέω proskartereō, which means to be serious, persevering, and diligence. Our prayers are a way of fellowship with God. We talk to our friends, our family, our neighbors, etc., but do we talk to God? Prayer is not an exercise of futility; it is fellowship. The Greek word for “vigilance” is (G1127) γρηγορεύω grēgoreuō, which means to be alert, watchful, vigilant. All prayer should include thanksgiving to God for His many blessings.
V3 “…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…” “And, while you are at it, pray for us.” Paul specifically asks prayer for opening up opportunities to preach the Gospel, to speak out boldly about the mystery of Christ. Mystery in the Scripture is not a puzzle to solve, but a truth spoken of formerly and now revealed and explained. Even the coming of the Messiah was mysterious for the Jews. Was there one coming, two, or even 2 Messiahs. It was confusing. The ministry of the Lord Jesus should have shown the difference by what He was doing regarding the authenticating signs proving His Messiahship. The chains refer to Paul’s imprisonment. The Bible Knowledge Commentary informs us regarding this imprisonment: “Colossians was written from Rome during Paul’s (first) imprisonment there, as recorded in Act 28:30. At the same time Paul wrote Ephesians and Philemon (ca. a.d. 60-62). In Phm 1:1, Phm 1:9 Paul referred to himself as “a prisoner of Christ Jesus.” Prison is not a pleasant place to be, but it gave opportunity to Paul to preach to those who otherwise might never had heard. Paul’s faith was increased from this test and being in the school of Christ. The school of Christ is mainly our earthly life where the Holy Spirit guides us in life’s situation and/or uses life situations to mold us in the image (character traits) of the perfect man, the God-man Jesus Christ. Ephesians 4:22-24 (EHV) “As far as your former way of life is concerned, you were taught to take off the old self, which is corrupted by its deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed continually in the spirit of your mind, 24 and to put on the new self, which has been created to be like God in righteousness and true holiness.”
V4 “…that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” “Ought to speak” refers to his call, commission, gift, and motive.
V5 “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.” We are not to waste time but redeem it, use it wisely and for the glory of God. Knowledge is having the facts, understanding is having the why’s and wherefores of the facts, wisdom is living out the facts and understanding of the facts, and prudence is using God’s wisdom to make good decisions. Knowledge concerns God’s word, so we need to read, study, and memorize. Understanding concerns proper interpretation. Wisdom is living out the words of Scripture for the honor of God.
V6 “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Everything we say should be with grace. Grace is giving what is not deserved. Our speech must always be according to the Scripture principles of salt and light. It must not be abusive or condescending, hateful, argumentative. It must not use gaslighting, put downs, insults, slander. It must also be truth even if it may appear hurtful to someone’s standard. The law of Christ forbids ungodly speech but promotes truth. Jesus told the truth even when people did not want it (Matthew 23:33-34, John 8:44, and Matthew 23:15, etc.