Colossians 4:5-18

Colossians 4:5-6 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

We are called to be disciples, but we need to do it with tact and respect for the person we are talking to. And it is much more important to show someone Christ by our lives, then our words. Also, our daily life and work provide us continually with chances to witness for Christ and we are told to take those opportunities.

Colossians 4:7-15 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

It was dangerous at this time to be a friend of Paul’s and he lists the people who stood by him.

Colossians 4:16-18 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord." I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Paul also wrote the letter Philemon to Archippus whom he called “a fellow soldier”. And he’s encouraging him not to give up his ministry. Paul mentions his fetters or chains, not for pity, but more to show his right to speak. This is not a letter asking someone to do something he isn’t prepared to do himself. It’s a letter from someone who has also carried the cross of Christ.