Slaves & Missionaries (Colossians 4)

How should we treat employees? How should we pray for missionaries? How should we act towards unbelievers? Let’s find out in Colossians 4.

In Roman society half the people were slaves, sometimes as prisoners doing hard labor, sometimes unjustly enslaved. How should brand new Christians treat their slaves? Could this same advice be given to employers today?

Slave owners, be fair and honest with your slaves. Don't forget that you have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 4:1 CEV)

How should we pray for missionaries?

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. (Colossians 4:2-4 ESV)

How should we act towards unbelievers?

Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. (Colossians 4:5-6 HCSB)

Who did Paul send?

Tychicus will tell you everything that has happened to me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. I am sending him to you for this very reason, so that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, that faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. (Colossians 4:7-9 ISV)

Who else greeted them?

Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And 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. Epaphras, 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. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. (Colossians 4:10-13 KJV)

Where else was the letter to be read?

Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and Demas does also. Greet the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part, read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. Tell Archippus, “See to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.” (Colossians 4:14-17 NASB)

Who wrote the letter?

I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. (Colossians 4:18 NIV)

How should we treat those who work for us? How should we pray for missionaries? How should we act towards unbelievers? You decide!

Conclusion to Colossians

We have been delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son. We are rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith. In Christ we were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh. We don’t need silly man-made rules like, “Don’t handle, don’t taste, don’t touch.” Do we let the word of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom? Do we teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord? Do we treat employees fairly? You decide!