Colossians – Chapter 4

New Testament18 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Masters, do to your servants that which is just and equal: knowing that you also have a master in heaven." — so begins Colossians 4. The chapter centers on Barnabas, Onesimus and Luke. Across its 18 verses, two threads run through the text: prayer and faith and trust in God. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Masters, do to your servants that which is just and equal: knowing that you also have a master in heaven.

2Be instant in prayer: watching in it with thanksgiving.

3Praying withal for us also, that God may open unto us a door of speech to speak the mystery of Christ (for which also I am bound):

4That I may make it manifest as I ought to speak.

5Walk with wisdom towards them that are without, redeeming the time.

6Let your speech be always in grace seasoned with salt: that you may know how you ought to answer every man.

7All the things that concern me, Tychicus, our dearest brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord, will make known to you.

8What I have sent to you for this same purpose, that he may know the things that concern you and comfort your hearts:

9With Onesimus, a most beloved and faithful brother, who is one of you. All things that are done here, they shall make known to you.

10Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, saluteth you: and Mark, the cousin german of Barnabas, touching whom you have received commandments. If he come unto you, receive him.

11And Jesus that is called Justus: who are of the circumcision. These only are my helpers, in the kingdom of God: who have been a comfort to me.

12Epaphras saluteth you, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, who is always solicitous for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and full in all the will of God.

13For I bear him testimony that he hath much labour for you and for them that are at Laodicea and them at Hierapolis.

14Luke, the most dear physician, saluteth you: and Demas.

15Salute the brethren who are at Laodicea: and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.

16And when this epistle shall have been read with you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans: and that you read that which is of the Laodiceans.

17And say to Archippus: Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

18The salutation of Paul with my own hand. Be mindful of my bands. Grace be with you. Amen.

Important Verses in Colossians 4

Masters, do to your servants that which is just and equal: knowing that you also have a master in heaven.

Colossians 4:1

All the things that concern me, Tychicus, our dearest brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord, will make known to you.

Colossians 4:7

And Jesus that is called Justus: who are of the circumcision. These only are my helpers, in the kingdom of God: who have been a comfort to me.

Colossians 4:11

The salutation of Paul with my own hand. Be mindful of my bands. Grace be with you. Amen.

Colossians 4:18

Historical Context

As a New Testament book, Colossians was written with the church at Colossae, warned against diminishing the all-sufficient Christ in view. Chapter 4 of 4 brings the book to its close, gathering up themes introduced earlier. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 18 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Barnabas, Onesimus, Luke and Mark, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The chapter begins: "Masters, do to your servants that which is just and equal: knowing that you also have a master in heaven." It concludes: "The salutation of Paul with my own hand. Be mindful of my bands. Grace be with you. Amen. " Read against its original backdrop, False teachers at Colossae promoted angel worship, ascetic rules, and secret knowledge as supplements to Christ. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Colossians around About AD 60-62.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, writing from prison

When It Was Written

About AD 60-62

Catholic Commentary

The letter combines theological exposition with pastoral exhortation for believers. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Masters, do to your servants that which is just and equal: knowing that you also have a master in heaven." The passage repeatedly touches on prayer and petition to God.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 618). Here, Colossians affirms Christ's divinity and cosmic lordship (CIC 291). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize prayer and petition to God as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.

People in This Chapter

Barnabas1 mentionOnesimus1 mentionLuke1 mentionMark1 mentionPaul1 mention

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Colossians Chapter 4 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that Christ's supremacy and fullness is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing the reality of spiritual combat and vigilance.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 1095) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colossians Chapter 4 about?

Colossians 4 contains 18 verses. It opens with "Masters, do to your servants that which is just and equal: knowing that you also have a master in heaven." and closes with "The salutation of Paul with my own hand. Be mindful of my bands. Grace be with you. Amen. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Colossians 4?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Masters, do to your servants that which is just and equal: knowing that you also have a master in heaven." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Colossians Chapter 4?

This chapter mentions Barnabas, Onesimus, Luke, Mark, Paul.

Who wrote Colossians and when?

The Apostle Paul, writing from prison. About AD 60-62.

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