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1 Masters, giue vnto your seruants that which is iust and equall, knowing that yee also haue a Master in heauen.
2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thankesgiuing:
3 Withall, praying also for vs, that God would open vnto vs a doore of vtterance, to speake the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speake.
5 Walke in wisdome toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech bee alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how yee ought to answere euery man.
7 All my state shall Tychicus declare vnto you, who is a beloued brother, and a faithfull minister, and fellow seruant in the Lord:
8 Whom I haue sent vnto you for the same purpose, that hee might know your estate, and comfort your hearts.
9 With Onesimus a faithfull and beloued brother, who is one of you. They shall make knowen vnto you all things which are done here.
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner saluteth you, and Marcus sisters sonne to Barnabas, (touching whome yee receiued commandements; if he come vnto you, receiue him:)
11 And Iesus, which is called Iustus, who are of the circumcision. These onely are my fellow workers vnto the kingdome of God, which haue beene a comfort vnto me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a seruant of Christ, saluteth you, alwaies labouring feruently for you in praiers, that ye may stand perfect, and complete in all the will of God.
13 For I beare him record, that hee hath a great zeale for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
14 Luke the beloued physician, and Demas greet you.
15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, & the church which is in his house.
16 And when this Epistle is read amongst you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans: and that ye likewise reade the Epistle from Laodicea,
17 And say to Archippus, Take heede to the ministerie, which thou hast receiued in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.
18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to the Colossians, by Tychicus and Onesimus.
Masters to do their duty towards servants. (1) Persons of all ranks to persevere in prayer, and Christian prudence. (2-6) The apostle refers to others for an account of his affairs. (7-9) Sends greetings; and concludes with a blessing. (10-18)1 The apostle proceeds with the duty of masters to their servants. Not only justice is required of them, but strict equity and kindness. Let them deal with servants as they expect God should deal with themselves.
2-6 No duties can be done aright, unless we persevere in fervent prayer, and watch therein with thanksgiving. The people are to pray particularly for their ministers. Believers are exhorted to right conduct towards unbelievers. Be careful in all converse with them, to do them good, and recommend religion by all fit means. Diligence in redeeming time, commends religion to the good opinion of others. Even what is only carelessness may cause a lasting prejudice against the truth. Let all discourse be discreet and seasonable, as becomes Christians. Though it be not always of grace, it must always be with grace. Though our discourse be of that which is common, yet it must be in a Christian manner. Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, and keeps it from corrupting. It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also.
7-9 Ministers are servants to Christ, and fellow-servants to one another. They have one Lord, though they have different stations and powers for service. It is a great comfort under the troubles and difficulties of life, to have fellow Christians caring for us. Circumstances of life make no difference in the spiritual relation among sincere Christians; they partake of the same privileges, and are entitled to the same regards. What amazing changes Divine grace makes! Faithless servants become faithful and beloved brethren, and some who had done wrong, become fellow-workers of good.
10-18 Paul had differed with Barnabas, on the account of this Mark, yet he is not only reconciled, but recommends him to the churches; an example of a truly Christian and forgiving spirit. If men have been guilty of a fault, it must not always be remembered against them. We must forget as well as forgive. The apostle had comfort in the communion of saints and ministers. One is his fellow-servant, another his fellow-prisoner, and all his fellow-workers, working out their own salvation, and endeavouring to promote the salvation of others. The effectual, fervent prayer is the prevailing prayer, and availeth much. The smiles, flatteries, or frowns of the world, the spirit of error, or the working of self-love, leads many to a way of preaching and living which comes far short of fulfilling their ministry. But those who preach the same doctrine as Paul, and follow his example, may expect the Divine favour and blessing.
Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.