colossians-4:12,-romans-12:2-niv

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Colossians 4:12

(12) Epaphras.—See Note on Colossians 1:7.Servant of Christ.—A title assumed by St. James and St. Judo, as well as by St. Paul himself, but given by him only to Timothy (Philippians 1:1) and to Epaphras here. Of course, all Christians are “servants of Christ.” But the name, as applied here, is no doubt distinctive of some peculiar character of service.Labouring fervently.—Properly, wrestling in agony of prayer. (See Romans 15:30.)Perfect and complete.—The word here found in the best MSS. for... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Colossians 4:1-18

The Claim of the Outsider Colossians 4:5 I. Note the distinction here assumed, 'them that are without,' which necessarily implies them that are within. This distinction is assumed throughout the New Testament. (1) The reality of this division. We serve one master: on the best of authority we affirm this. We obey one law; the higher law of the mind, or the lower of the flesh. We develop one character. Our character is the outcome of one dominant idea, one reigning purpose, one master-passion.... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Colossians 4:10-14

Chapter 4 SALUTATIONS FROM THE PRISONER’S FRIENDS Colossians 4:10-14 (R.V.)Here are men of different races, unknown to each other by face, clasping hands across the seas, and feeling that the repulsions of nationality, language, conflicting interests, have disappeared in the unity of faith. These greetings are a most striking, because unconscious, testimony to the reality and strength of the new bond that knit Christian souls together.There are three sets of salutations here, sent from Rome to... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Colossians 4:2-18

CHAPTER 4 1. Prayer and ministry (Colossians 4:2-4 ) 2. Walking in wisdom (Colossians 4:5-6 ) 3. The fellowship of the saints in their service (Colossians 4:7-17 ) 4. The conclusion (Colossians 4:18 ) Colossians 4:2-4 The first verse of this chapter belongs to the preceding one. Prayer is the most needed thing for those who are risen with Christ and know that they are complete in Him. Without continued prayer the full realization of the great truths unfolded in this Epistle is impossible.... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 4:1-18

There is no reason for a chapter division at this point, for the responsibility of masters is closely linked with that of servants, which we have seen would include the relationship between employers and employees or teachers and students. A believing master is called upon to be totally impartial in caring for the needs of his servants, giving to his servants what is just and fair (v.1). What is just is what is right as before God. What is fair is what does not favor one above another. This is... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Colossians 4:1-18

THE HORTATORY PART The Christian being “dead with Christ,” is dead “from the rudiments of the world”; in other words, worldly methods of obtaining “perfection” are something with which he has nothing to do. Why then should he act to the contrary, “after the commandments and doctrines of men” (Colossians 2:20 ; Colossians 2:22 )? Why should he ascribe salvation or any part of it, to things which “perish with the using”? Why should he come under a law which says “touch not, taste not,... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Colossians 4:7-18

(7) All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord: (8) Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; (9) With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. (10) Aristarchus my fellow prisoner saluteth you, and Mark, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Colossians 4:12

Epaphras. He was apostle and bishop of the Colossians, as has been observed. It was he who engaged St. Paul to write to them, fearing lest they should give themselves up to the novelties of the false apostles, after having received the gospel from him in all its purity. (Calmet) read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 4:10-18

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... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - Colossians 4:1-99

Colossians 4 IN THE THIRD case, that of the masters, the prominent thought is not that of love but of righteousness. Every Christian master should be continually asking himself in regard to his servants, “What is just? What is fair?” And further he is to remember that he himself is a servant with his Master in the heavens a Master who has laid it down that, “With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Here, then, are six items of instruction which if obeyed would go far... read more