< Colossians 4 >

Paul gave particular instruction to disciples who were the masters of slaves v.1Colossians 4:1XWaiting for response as well as general guidance to all the disciples. He commanded them to “continue in prayer with thanksgiving”,v.2Colossians 4:2XWaiting for response to walk in wisdom, and to buy up time.v.5Colossians 4:5XWaiting for response Our lives are very short and time is precious. We are wise if we “redeem the time, using it to secure for ourselves an everlasting future in the kingdom of God. Paul devoted his whole life to the service of Christ, even becoming a prisoner in Rome from where he wrote this letter.v.3Colossians 4:3XWaiting for response

Paul had many faithful associates to help him in his great work of bringing the gospel to the Gentiles of the Roman Empire.vs.7-14Colossians 4:7-14XWaiting for response Epaphras was a native of Colosse who worked tirelessly in the service of Christ on behalf of the disciples in his home town,v.12Colossians 4:12XWaiting for response and Luke, the beloved physician,v.14Colossians 4:14XWaiting for response was a faithful companion who also wrote the gospel record in his name and The Acts of the Apostles.

Paul requested that this letter be read by the disciples in the nearby town of Laodicea as well as at Colosse, and no doubt it was. It was also copied and distributed throughout the world to be read by other disciples and, thankfully, it is available today together with the other scriptures so that any of us may read and learn the wisdom of God.