A study of Colossians 4:6-9 affirms gracious words and wholesome conversations, brotherhood and servant leadership in ministry, and encouraging one another.
A study of Colossians 4:6-9 affirms gracious words and wholesome conversations.
V.6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Seasoned with salt: Salt was used to preserve and keep food pure, add taste, and it also increased thirst. All that can apply to Paul’s meaning. As Christ-followers, we should maintain pure conversations using wholesome language. Especially within a secular culture that embraces profane words and sexual innuendos. But we don’t have to be seriously dull and lack personality. Rather, we should exude joy and enthusiasm as people who live zestfully and share a positive message of hope.
Know how you ought to answer each person: Many Christ-followers claim exact opposite. Fear in witnessing and lack of Bible knowledge silence them when God’s power is readily available. Because “perfect love casts out fear” ( 1 John 4:18) and “God’s power is made perfect in your weakness.” ( 2 Corinthians 12:9). Furthermore, God will supply your words. (Luke 12:12)
A study of Colossians 4:6-9 affirms brotherhood and servant leadership in ministry.
V.7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
Tychicus and Onesimus delivered Paul’s letter to the Colossian church. Tychicus is mentioned in Acts 20:4 as one of Paul’s traveling companions. And Onesimus was a runaway slave that Paul led to Christ.
Paul commends Tychicus as a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant. “Beloved brother” combines the Greek agapētŏs, which means dearly, well, and beloved with adĕlphŏs, which means brother or much like a brother. “Minister” is the Greek diakŏnŏs, which means deacon, minister, and servant. In this context, Paul likely means it as someone who ministered in God’s name rather than a church position title. “Fellow servant” is the Greek word sundŏulŏs, which means fellow slave to either a human or divine master. Paul uses the word doulos in Philippians 1:1 to describe himself as a servant of Jesus Christ. So ascribing the same word to Tychicus suggests a close kinsmanship between the two of them.
Jesus likewise, taught the importance of servant leadership, and demonstrated it when he washed the feet of his disciples. It is regularly preached from today’s pulpit, but not always practiced in church, hierarchical structures that function in a top down, authoritarian chain of command.
A study of Colossians 4:6-9 affirms encouraging one another.
V.8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts.
Paul was writing from prison and the Colossian church probably wanted to know how he was doing. Most likely expecting the worst, which makes this verse an unexpected surprise.
The Greek word for “encourage” is parakalĕō, which means to exhort, be of good comfort, and call near. So rather than bad news, Tychicus was delivering encouraging news from Paul. Why? Maybe because Paul’s focus was not on himself, but on spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
V.9 And with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
Notice Paul does not call Onesimus a runaway slave. But presents him as an equal, Christian brother. One of you. Confirming what John says: But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (ESV, John 1:12)
Of course, we are to treat everyone–Christian or not–with equal respect because each person is made in the image of God. And God loves us all. But Christians also share a spiritual and eternal relationship as adopted sons and daughters of God. And therefore, all earthly titles and distinctions, are replaced with brother and sister in Christ.
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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