- 1Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
- 2Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
- 3Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
- 4That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
- 5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
- 6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
- 7All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
- 8Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
- 9With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
- 10Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
- 11And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
- 12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
- 13For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
- 14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
- 15Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
- 16And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
- 17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
- 18The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
KING JAMES VERSION
COLOSSIANS 4
Read the chapter, follow a linked verse, and continue into related Watchman 33 teaching.
CHAPTER VISUAL
Colossians 4 — Watchful prayer, gracious speech, faithful messengers, and devoted coworkers sustain the gospel mission even while Paul remains in bonds.
About this illustration
The open doorway is visual shorthand for Paul’s requested opportunity to speak. Colossae and Paul’s place of custody are joined as a composite, the arriving messengers carry no readable text, and no judgment is implied about Demas’s later story.
Scripture basis: Colossians 4:1–18King James Version · Standardized 1769 text with Strong’s numbering · Public domain outside the United Kingdom
EXPLORE THE MESSAGE
Related Watchman 33 Resources
Archaeological Evidence
ARCHAEOLOGY EVIDENCEArchaeological site
4th–6th centuries AD over a Roman-period tomb
Sanctuary and Tomb Complex of Saint Philip at Hierapolis
Hierapolis's eastern hill preserves an octagonal martyrium, processional route, basilical church focused on an earlier tomb, and a dense Christian cemetery, demonstrating Byzantine veneration of Philip while leaving the tomb occupant's apostolic identity unproved.
Colossians 4:12–13 · Acts 21:8–9 · Acts 1:13
ARCHAEOLOGY EVIDENCEArchitecture
Early 4th century AD with later repairs
Church of Laodicea
The early Byzantine Church of Laodicea preserves a monumental basilical plan, clergy seating, ambo, baptistery, service rooms, and decorated floors, documenting the city's enduring Christian importance centuries after its congregations appear in Colossians and Revelation.
Revelation 3:14–22 · Colossians 4:15–16
ARCHAEOLOGY EVIDENCEArchaeological site
Bronze Age through Byzantine periods; Roman and late-antique cemetery use
Colossae Archaeological Site and North Necropolis
New excavation at Colossae is beginning to document the largely unexcavated city addressed in Colossians and associated with Philemon, starting with its northern necropolis.
Colossians 1:1–8 · Colossians 4:7–18 · Philemon 1:1–25
ARCHAEOLOGY EVIDENCEManuscript
eighth-century manuscript; underlying list often dated to the late second century but disputed
The Muratorian Fragment and an Early New Testament Book List
An eighth-century Latin codex in Milan preserves a damaged list discussing accepted and disputed Christian writings. Often understood as a translation of a late-second-century Greek composition, it is major evidence for canon reception, though its original language, date, and setting remain debated.
Luke 1:1–4 · John 20:30–31 · Acts 1:1–2
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