Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Colossians 4

Now Paul turns to the duty of masters toward their slaves in terms of dealing justly and equitably with them. Though in the Roman world slaves had few rights, Paul does not hesitate to teach that duty is not all on the side of slaves. Masters too have obligations. Paul’s reason for their being completely fair with their slaves is a compelling one: “because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.” It is to God that Christian masters are accountable for how they treat their slaves. Both master and slave alike bow before one Master, with whom there is no “favoritism.”

Here is a general appeal for prayerfulness. The word for “devote yourselves” (GK 4674) is built on a root meaning “to be strong.” It always connotes earnest adherence to a person or thing; here it implies persistence and fervor (cf. Acts 1:14; 2:46; 6:5; Romans 12:12). “Being watchful” (lit., “keeping awake”; GK 1213) suggests constant spiritual alertness. So Christians must be watchful and active in prayer, alive in the fullest sense, never careless, mechanical, or dull and heavy (cf. Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 1 Peter 5:8). “Being thankful” refers to the spirit in which prayers should be offered (cf. Php 4:6).

Paul requests prayer for himself while being imprisoned in Rome. His concern was that he and his associates might have clear opportunities for witnessing and that Paul might make clear the great secret (“mystery”; cf. 1:26; 2:2 with Eph 1:9; 3:1) of redemption in Christ in a worthy manner. There was no selfish motive behind this prayer; Paul’s consuming interest was for the advancement of the Gospel, not for his own blessing.

Paul requests prayer for himself while being imprisoned in Rome. His concern was that he and his associates might have clear opportunities for witnessing and that Paul might make clear the great secret (“mystery”; cf. 1:26; 2:2 with Eph 1:9; 3:1) of redemption in Christ in a worthy manner. There was no selfish motive behind this prayer; Paul’s consuming interest was for the advancement of the Gospel, not for his own blessing.

To “be wise in the way you act toward outsiders” is to show practical Christian wisdom in dealing with secular society. Paul’s words imply that believers are to be cautious and tactful so as to avoid needlessly antagonizing or alienating their pagan neighbors. In a positive sense, these words also imply that believers should conduct themselves so that the way they live will attract, impress, and convict non-Christians and give the pagan community a favorable impression of the Gospel (see also 1 Corinthians 5:12–13; 1 Thessalonians 4:12; 1 Timothy 3:7 for other passages where unbelievers are designated as “outsiders”).

The verb in the statement “make the most [GK 1973] of every opportunity” is a market word that means “to buy out” or "purchase completely.” So Christians, as an expression of practical wisdom, must buy up and make the most of every opportunity for witnessing to the faith. “Opportunity” (GK 2789) denotes either a specific point of time or a significant time, God’s time. This latter meaning appears to be the preferred sense in the present passage.