Colossians 4:16-18
Colossians 4:16-18
New King James Version (NKJV)
Final Greetings
Closing Exhortations and Blessing
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. 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
My Thoughts:
- So let’s start with (v. 16) we read “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.”
- Some believe the Ephesians to be the letter to Laodicea.
- Paul wrote both Ephesians and Colossians about the same time, both were entrusted to the same messenger Tychicus (Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7)
- In (v. 17) we read “And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
- Archippus is only mentioned only here and Philemon 2. In Philemon his name appears in close proximity to Apphia and Philemon. Apphia has been regarded by commentators as Philemon’s wife. Possibly Archippus was their son.
- Let’s finish with (v. 18) “This salutation by my own hand Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.”
- Paul makes a point of telling them that he wrote the Salutation himself maybe to show his deep love for them.
Thought of the Day
At the close of his dictation, St. Patti took the stylus from the hand of his amanuensis, and appended his signature to the letter, which was awaiting that necessary endorsement. As he did so, he contrasted his irregular and clumsy writing with the flowing current-hand of his scribe, and in excuse, said pathetically, “Remember my bonds!” It was as though he said, “You cannot expect a man who for thrice years has had his wrist fettered by an iron chain to write as well as when he was a student at Gamaliel’s feet!” He makes reference to the same subject in Gal6:11, where he speaks of the “large letters” which he had written with his own hand; but in this case it was caused by his failing eyesight rather than the iron fetter.
There are other bonds than iron chains which impose on us their straints and limitations. Many of us, as we review our work at the close of the day, are overwhelmed with the sense of failure. As we kneel before our Lord, we are constrained to say, “Alas, we have inscribed Thy Name on the hearts which lay open to us, as paper the hand, in very clumsy and unworthy style. Forgive us, and remember our bonds.”
Let us accept our limitations as from the Will of God. There is no way to peace or power, save in accepting the Will of God, making no distinction between what He appoints or permits, but believing that in either we are in contact with the Eternal purpose for us. Paul never forgot that he was the prisoner of Jesus Christ. He believed that for every limitation on the earthward side there would be enlargement on the other and spiritual side. Weakness here, added strength there; the being hourly delivered unto the cross, and from the ground the blossoming of endless life.
Let us do all the good we can in spite of fetters. St. Paul could not continue his travels over the world, but there were many avenues of service open to him. He could pray, and he did (Col 1:3; Col 2:1; Col 4:12). He could influence others (Phil 1:11-14). He employed his leisure in writing the epistles that have been the perennial solace of sorrowful hearts. There is a door, nearer to you than you think, opening out of your prison, through which God will enable you to render helpful service for Him.
PRAYER – Our Father, we thank Thee Thou canst make no mistakes. We believe that all things are working together for our good, and we trust Thy guiding hand. AMEN. F B Meyer. Our Daily Walk.
Personal Reflection and Discussion
- Compare the statement “Grace be with you” to (1 Tim. 6:21; 2 Tim 4:22).
- What other things do you see in the text?
Prayer Activities
- Call your Partner and discuss this devotional.
- Continue to have a prayer list and continue to praying for them.
- Pray with them and ask for the following;
- For God to help you continue to grow in Christ.
- For God to strengthen our love for the church
- For the individuals on your pray list.
- Let’s use (Psalms 26:1-3) for today’s prayer verse.
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Grace be with you can be a way of closing a conversation or a letter. I feel that in Pauls case it is more of a reminder. We need the grace of God each day. Only by His grace are we saved, soPaul is saying to everyone to remember. Remember who we are, who our Creator is and what we need each minute of every day. Gods grace.
very true
Can you imagine having Paul writing to you, with his hands limited with fetters, “to take heed to the ministry which you have recieved from the Lord to fullfil it.” We have a tendency to slack and not fullfill our expections from th Lord. Motivation or reminder would do us good. We need to spread the Good News and give out the invitation. How many times have I recieved a good idea of service and opportuity to share and witness the love and power of God…and I get lazy and not do it. Missed opportunities, what a sad thing, while we’re free and able we lack only drive and discipline; others have yet circumstances hinder them. God calls on us to step-in “stand in the gap.” He call even now…a small stand, a small step; will we listen or say yes only later and later never come. Will we excuse ourselves saying we’re busy…who isn’t…even if it only in entertainment. I’m sure alot of us can relate here, or we would see the work would be getting done and encouraged to stand and even speak. How is our influence, our work and ministry. I’m speaking personally here…conviction and repentence is the first step. I pray for a new found zeal.
I pray for God to keep the fire in my ministry every day, I have seen pastors that are just doing the job and that is bad. A pastor without fire is doing no good for his church.