Bible Study Colossians 4

1 Masters, [on your part] deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master
in heaven.2 Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an
attitude of thanksgiving. 3 At the same time pray for us, too, that God will open a door [of opportunity]
to us for the word, to proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have been imprisoned; 4 that I may
make it clear [and speak boldly and unfold the mystery] in the way I should.
5

Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with outsiders (non-believers), make the most of
each opportunity [treating it as something precious]. 6 Let your speech at all times be gracious and
pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you].
7

As to all my affairs, [a]Tychicus, who is a much-loved brother and faithful assistant and fellow bondservant in the Lord, will give you all the information. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that
you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your hearts; 9 and with him is
[b]
Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will let you know everything
about the situation here [in Rome].
10

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, wishes to be remembered to you; as does Mark, the cousin of
Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him); 11 and from
Jesus, who is called Justus. These are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from
the circumcision (Jewish Christians), and they have proved to be an encouragement and a comfort to
me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. [He is]
always striving for you in his prayers, praying with genuine concern, [pleading] that you may [as
people of character and courage] stand firm, [spiritually mature] and fully assured in all the will of
God. 13 For I testify for him that he has worked strenuously for you and for the believers in Laodicea
and those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. 15 Give my greetings to
the [c]brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.
16

When this letter has been read among you, see that it is read in the church of the Laodiceans; and
also that you in turn read [d]my letter [that is coming to you] from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus,
See to it that you fulfill [carefully the duties of] the ministry which you have received in the Lord. 18 I,
Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. May grace (Gods unmerited favor
and blessing) be with you.

NIV Study Bible, Amplified Bible, Joyce Meyer Study Bible, Jeanne McIntosh 2016

Colossians 4 Study Guide

Read Colossians 4:1-4
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

What do you think of equality pay for women and men both? V1
How can Christian employees treat their employees with fairness? V1
Have you ever grown tired of praying for something or someone? V2
Should faith die if answers come slowly? V2
How does God open doors for us to proclaim the Gospel? V3
In what ways do you find it difficult to speak boldly to others about Christ? V4

Read Colossians 4:5-6

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Do you always think before you speak?

What does it take to be sensitive to others in our speech?
Are there times that a person needs or should be edified?
Is there a good time and a bad time to speak about something that concerns us?
How can we make the most of our opportunities to tell the Good News? V5

Read Colossians 4:7-9

Tychicus was one of Pauls personal representatives and probably the bearer of the letters to the
Colossians and Ephesians.
1. What does it mean to be an encourager? V8
2. What do you know of the slave, Onesimus? V9
Read Colossians 4:10-14
Aristarchus was a Thesssalonian who accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey. Epaphras
founded the Colossian church who was a hero keeping the church together despite growing trouble.
1. How can a Christian stand firm in the will of the Lord and not offend others? Is this even
possible?
2. Luke spent much time with Paul traveling and sitting in prison with him at Rome. Does God
call certain people to the prisons, or has he called us all?
Read Colossians 4:15-18
The early Christians often met in homes. Church buildings were not common until the third century.
Paul encouraged Archippis to make sure to complete the work he had received in the Lord.
1. What ways do Christians leave their work unfinished?
2. What do you think about church meetings / prayer meetings in the home?
NIV Study Bible, Amplified Bible, Joyce Meyer Study Bible, Jeanne McIntosh 2016