Colossians 4:2-18

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To consider the importance of prayer, and proper conduct toward those who are not Christians

2) To appreciate the value of God's "second string", those workers in the kingdom who assisted key

players like Paul and contributed so much to the spread of the gospel

I. EXHORTATIONS TO PRAYER AND PROPER CONDUCT (2-6)

A. DEVOTE YOURSELVES TO PRAYER (2-4)

1. Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant with thanksgiving (2)

2. Pray for ministers of God, like Paul (3-4)

a. That God would open a door for the Word (3a)

b. That Paul would make the mystery of Christ manifest (3b-4)

B. CONDUCT YOURSELVES PROPERLY (5-6)

1. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of your time (5)

2. Speak with grace, properly answering each one (6)

II. PAUL'S COMPANIONS (7-14)

A. COMMENDATION OF HIS MESSENGERS (7-9)

1. Tychicus (7-8)

a. A beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord (8a)

b. Sent by Paul to inform them of his circumstances, and to comfort their hearts (8b-9)

2. Onesimus (9)

a. A faithful and beloved brother, from Colosse (9a)

b. He also will inform them of Paul's circumstances (9b)

B. GREETINGS FROM HIS FRIENDS (10-14)

1. From Aristarchus, a fellow prisoner (10a)

2. From Mark, a cousin of Barnabas, whom they are to welcome if he comes (10b)

3. From Jesus, called Justus, who together with Aristarchus and Mark are Paul's only fellow

workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision (11)

4. From Epaphras (12-13)

a. One of their number at Colosse (12a)

b. A servant of Christ in their behalf (12b)

1) Laboring fervently for them in prayers

2) Praying that they may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God

c. Paul bears witness of his great zeal (13)

1) For those at Colosse (13a)

2) For those in Laodicea and Hierapolis (13b)

5. From Luke, the beloved physician (14a)

6. From Demas (14b)

III.CONCLUDING REMARKS (15-18)

A. PERSONAL MESSAGES (15-17)

1. Greet the brethren (15)

a. Those who are in Laodicea (15a)

b. Nymphas and the church in his house (15b)

2. Exchange epistles (16)

a. Once this epistle is read, see that it is read in the church of the Laodiceans (16a)

b. You also read the epistle from the church in Laodicea (16b)

3. A charge to Archippus, that he take heed to his ministry received from the Lord, and to

fulfill it (17)

B. A PERSONAL SIGNOFF (18)

1. Salutation written by his own hands (18a)

2. A plea to remember his chains (18b)

3. A prayer that grace be with them (18c)