Colossians 3:1-4:18 v. 12-14 The readers are called "God's chosen people." Paul gives them more to do. Once they've taken off the things associated with the old life then they must "put on" other things like compassion, humility, etc. and forgive one another the way Christ has forgiven each of them. They are to be united in love. v. 15-17 The peace that Paul talks about is not a peaceful feeling. Rather it's the peace that comes when enemies are reconciled. That's what happens when believers are together in Christ. Jew and Gentile are one, slave and master are the same, and everyone is at peace with one another and at peace with God. They are to do everything in the name of Jesus and give thanks to God. v. 18-22; 4:1 Paul briefly reminds them of how to treat one another in their everyday relationships. He makes it clear that even the masters are slaves to Christ. God does not show favoritism. v. 2-4 Paul emphasizes prayer here and tells them to be watchful. He asks them to pray for him that God may open a door for the message he preaches. Interestingly, Paul does not ask them to pray that God will open the door to his prison. Paul knows that he can still preach the gospel even while he's in prison. v. 5-6 They are to be wise in the way they deal with outsiders (unbelievers), taking advantage of every opportunity to share the gospel. They must speak graciously. The reference to salt probably means to make the message palatable to the hearer. v. 7-9 His final greetings start with mentioning that Tychicus and Onesimus are delivering this letter to Colossae. Paul vouches for these two men. v. 10-16 He gives greetings from several Jews who are with him and then mentions the non-Jewish believers who are also with him. Epaphras was mentioned in chapter 1 as the one who first preached the gospel to the believers in Colossae. They are told to be sure this letter is read to the Laodiceans and that they also read the letter Paul wrote to Laodicea. v. 17 Special instructions are given to Archippus. Philemon We read this short letter next because it's so closely related to Colossians. v. 1-3 Paul addresses the letter to three individuals: Philemon, Apphia and Archippus. Remember, Archippus was given special instructions in Colossians 4:17. v. 4-7 Paul praises Philemon for his faith in Christ and love for the saints. The same thing he praised the Colossians for in Col. 13-8. Paul prays that Philemon will be active in his faith. Philemon's love for people brings Paul great joy. v. 8-9 Paul is about to ask Philemon to do something for him. Although Paul has the authority to order him to do it, he instead appeals to him on the basis of love. v. 10 Paul views this man Onesimus as his son in Christ. Remember, at the end of Colossians Paul was sending that letter with Tychicus and Onesimus. Now we learn more of the story about Onesimus. v. 11-15 The name Onesimus means "useful." Paul uses a play on words here telling Philemon that Onesimus (Useful) was once "useless" to Philemon but now has become "useful" to both of them. Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon. He keeps praising Onesimus and building him up in the eyes of Philemon. He speculates that perhaps Onesimus was separated from Philemon for a good reason. v. 16 Now we see clearly that Onesimus is a slave and Philemon is his master. It was likely that Onesimus ran away from his master and through God's providence ended up with Paul. Now Paul was working hard to make it possible for Onesimus to return to his master safely. Paul was even going so far as to ask Philemon to set Onesimus free. This was a very big thing Paul was asking. It would likely set a precedent for other believers who owned slaves. v. 17-19 Paul wants Onesimus to be treated as an equal, not as a slave. He is even willing to pay any debt that Onesimus owes. Perhaps he had stolen some of Philemon's property when he ran away. Paul is quick to remind Philemon that he owes much more to Paul than Onesimus owes him. v. 20-21 It's clear that Paul expects Philemon to do the right thing and set Onesimus free. Also Apphia and Archippus are there as witnesses. v. 22-23 Paul asks that a guest room be prepared for him. He wants to visit Philemon when he is released from prison. Remember, Paul is quite famous among the Christians. It would be a great honor for Philemon to be his host. The letter closes with greetings from several of the same men who were named in the letter to the Colossians. --Sandy Blank Back...
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