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<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [Colossians IV].</TITLE>
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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1>
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<h3><a href="http://www.biblesnet.com" target="_blank">Back to Biblesnet.com Home Page</a>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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[<A HREF="MHC51003.HTM">Previous</A>]
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<TD ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="TOP">
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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</TD></TR></TABLE>
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>C O L O S S I A N S.</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. IV.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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</CENTER>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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I. He continues his account of the duty of masters, from the close of
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the former chapter,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:1">ver. 1</A>.
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II. He exhorts to the duty of prayer
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:2-4">ver. 2-4</A>),
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and to a prudent and decent conduct towards those with whom we converse,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:5,6">ver. 5, 6</A>.
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III. He closes the epistle with the mention of several of his friends,
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of whom he gives an honourable testimony,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:7-18">ver. 7-18</A>.</P>
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</FONT>
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<A NAME="Col4_1"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Relative Duties.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 62.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 Masters, give unto <I>your</I> servants that which is just and
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equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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The apostle proceeds with the duty of masters to their servants, which
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might have been joined to the foregoing chapter, and is a part of that
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discourse. Here observe,
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1. Justice is required of them: <I>Give unto your servants that which
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is just and equal</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
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not only strict justice, but equity and kindness. Be faithful to your
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promises to them, and perform your agreements; not defrauding them of
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their dues, nor <I>keeping back by fraud the hire of the labourers,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+5:4">Jam. v. 4</A>.
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Require no more of them than they are able to perform; and do not lay
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unreasonable burdens upon them, and beyond their strength. Provide for
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them what is fit, supply proper food and physic, and allow them such
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liberties as may fit them the better for cheerful service and make it
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the easier to them, and this though they be employed in the meanest and
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lowest offices, and of another country and a different religion from
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yourselves.
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2. A good reason for this regard: "<I>Knowing that you also have a
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Master in heaven.</I> You who are masters of others have a Master
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yourself, and are servants of another Lord. You are not lords of
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yourselves, and are accountable to one above you. Deal with your
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servants as you expect God should deal with you, and as those who
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believe they must give an account. You are both servants of the same
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Lord in the different relations in which you stand, and are equally
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accountable to him at last. <I>Knowing that your Master also is in
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heaven, neither is there respect of persons with him,</I>"
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+6:9">Eph. vi. 9</A>.</P>
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<A NAME="Col4_2"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col4_3"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col4_4"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Apostolic Exhortations.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 62.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
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3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a
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door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am
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also in bonds:
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4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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If this be considered as connected with the foregoing verse, then we
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may observe that it is part of the duty which masters owe their
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servants to pray with them, and to pray daily with them, or <I>continue
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in prayer.</I> They must not only do justly and kindly by them, but act
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a Christian and religious part, and be concerned for their souls as
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well as their bodies: "As parts of your charge, and under your
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influence, be concerned for the blessing of God upon them, as well as
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the success of your affairs in their hands." And this is the duty of
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every one--to <I>continue in prayer.</I> "Keep up your constant times of
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prayer, without being diverted from it by other business; keep your
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hearts close to the duty, without wandering or deadness, and even to
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the end of it: <I>Watching the same.</I>" Christians should lay hold of
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all opportunities for prayer, and choose the fittest seasons, which are
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least liable to disturbance from other things, and keep their minds
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lively in the duty, and in suitable frames.--<I>With thanksgiving,</I>
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or solemn acknowledgment of the mercies received. Thanksgiving must
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have a part in every prayer.--<I>Withal praying also for us,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>.
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The people must pray particularly for their ministers, and bear them
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upon their hearts at all times at the throne of grace. As if he had
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said, "Do not forget us, whenever you pray for yourselves,"
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+6:19,1Th+5:25,Heb+13:18">Eph. vi. 19;
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1 Thess. v. 25; Heb. xiii. 18</A>.
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<I>That God would open to us a door of utterance,</I> that is, either
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afford opportunity to preach the gospel (so he says, <I>a great door
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and effectual is opened to me,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+16:9">1 Cor. xvi. 9</A>),
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or else give me ability and courage, and enable me with freedom and
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faithfulness; so
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+6:19">Eph. vi. 19</A>,
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<I>And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my
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mouth boldly, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in
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bonds;</I> that is, either the deepest doctrines of the gospel with
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plainness, of which Christ is the principal subject (he calls it the
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<I>mystery of the gospel,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+6:19">Eph. vi. 19</A>),
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or else he means the preaching of the gospel to the Gentile world,
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which he calls the <I>mystery hidden from ages</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+1:26"><I>ch.</I> i. 26</A>)
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and the <I>mystery of Christ,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+3:4">Eph. iii. 4</A>.
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For this he was now in bonds. He was a prisoner at Rome, by the violent
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opposition of the malicious Jews. He would have them pray for him,
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that he might not be discouraged in his work, nor driven from it by his
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sufferings: "<I>That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
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That I may make this mystery known to those who have not heard of it,
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and make it plain to their understanding, in such a manner as I ought
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to do." He had been particular in telling them what he prayed for on
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their behalf,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+1:9-11"><I>ch.</I> i</A>.
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Here he tells them particularly what he would have them pray for on his
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behalf. Paul knew as well as any man how to speak; and yet he begged
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their prayers for him, that he might be taught to speak. The best and
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most eminent Christians need the prayers of meaner Christians, and are
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not above asking them. The chief speakers need prayer, that God would
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give them a door of utterance, and that they may speak as they ought to
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speak.</P>
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<A NAME="Col4_5"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col4_6"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Apostolic Exhortations.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 62.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the
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time.
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6 Let your speech <I>be</I> alway with grace, seasoned with salt,
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that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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The apostle exhorts them further to a prudent and decent conduct
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towards all those with whom they conversed, towards the heathen world,
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or those out of the Christian church among whom they lived
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>):
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<I>Walk in wisdom towards those who are without.</I> Be careful, in all
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your converse with them, to get no hurt by them, or contract any of
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their customs; for <I>evil communications corrupt good manners;</I> and
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to do not hurt to them, or increase their prejudices against religion,
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and give them an occasion of dislike. Yea, do them all the good you
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can, and by all the fittest means and in the proper seasons recommend
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religion to them.--<I>Redeeming the time;</I> that is, either "improving
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every opportunity of doing them good, and making the best use of your
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time in proper duty" (diligence in redeeming time very much recommends
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religion to the good opinion of others), or else "walking cautiously
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and with circumspections, to give them no advantage against you, nor
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expose yourselves to their malice and ill-will,"
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+5:15,16">Eph. v. 15, 16</A>.
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<I>Walk circumspectly, redeeming the time, because the days are
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evil,</I> that is, dangerous, or times of trouble and suffering. And
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towards others, or those who are within as well as those who are
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without, "Let <I>your speech be always with grace,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
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Let all your discourse be as becomes Christians, suitable to your
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profession--savoury, discreet, seasonable." Though it be not always of
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grace, it must be always with grace; and, though the matter of our
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discourse be that which is common, yet there must be an air of piety
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upon it and it must be in a Christian manner <I>seasoned with salt.</I>
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Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, makes it savoury, and
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keeps it from corrupting. <I>That you may know how to answer every
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man.</I> One answer is proper for one man, and another for another man
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Pr+26:4,5">Prov. xxvi. 4, 5</A>.
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We have need of a great deal of wisdom and grace to give proper answers
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to every man, particularly in answering the questions and objections of
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adversaries against our religion, giving the reasons of our faith, and
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showing the unreasonableness of their exceptions and cavils to the best
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advantage for our cause and least prejudice to ourselves. <I>Be ready
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always to give an answer to every man who asketh you a reason of the
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hope that is in you, with meekness and fear,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+3:15">1 Pet. iii. 15</A>.</P>
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<A NAME="Col4_7"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col4_8"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col4_9"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col4_10"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col4_11"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col4_12"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col4_13"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col4_14"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col4_15"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col4_16"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col4_17"> </A>
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<A NAME="Col4_18"> </A>
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<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Various Salutations.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A. D.</FONT> 62.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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</TABLE>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, <I>who is</I> a
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beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the
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Lord:
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8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might
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know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
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9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is <I>one</I>
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of you. They shall make known unto you all things which <I>are
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done</I> here.
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10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus,
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sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received
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commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
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11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the
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circumcision. These only <I>are my</I> fellowworkers unto the kingdom
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of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
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12 Epaphras, who is <I>one</I> of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth
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you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may
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stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
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13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you,
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and them <I>that are</I> in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
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14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
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15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and
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the church which is in his house.
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16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be
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read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise
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read the <I>epistle</I> from Laodicea.
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17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou
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hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
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18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds.
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Grace <I>be</I> with you. Amen.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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In the close of this epistle the apostle does several of his friends
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the honour to leave their names upon record, with some testimony of his
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respect, which will be spoken of wherever the gospel comes, and last to
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the end of the world.</P>
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<P>
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I. Concerning Tychicus,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
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By him this epistle was sent; and he does not give them an account in
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writing of his present state, because Tychicus would do it by word of
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mouth more fully and particularly. He knew they would be glad to hear
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how it fared with him. The churches cannot but be concerned for good
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ministers and desirous to know their state. He gives him this
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character, <I>A beloved brother and faithful minister.</I> Paul, though
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a great apostle, owns a faithful minister for a brother and a beloved
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brother. Faithfulness in any one is truly lovely, and renders him
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worthy our affection and esteem. <I>And a fellow-servant in the
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Lord.</I> Ministers are servants to Christ, and fellow-servants to one
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another. They have one Lord, though they have different stations and
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capacities of service. Observe, It adds much to the beauty and strength
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of the gospel ministry when ministers are thus loving and condescending
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one to another, and by all just means support and advance one another's
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reputation. Paul sent him not only to tell them of his affairs, but to
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bring him an account of theirs: <I>Whom I have sent unto you for the
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same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your
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hearts,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
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He was willing to hear from them as they could be to hear from him, and
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thought himself as much obliged to sympathize with them as he thought
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them obliged to sympathize with him. It is a great comfort, under the
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troubles and difficulties of life, to have the mutual concern of
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fellow-christians.</P>
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<P>
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II. Concerning Onesimus
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>):
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<I>With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of
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you.</I> He was sent back from Rome along with Tychicus. This was he
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whom Paul had begotten in his bonds,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Philem+1:10">Philem. 10</A>.
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He had been servant to Philemon, and was a member, if not a minister,
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of their church. He was converted at Rome, whither he had fled from his
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master's service; and was now sent back, it is probable, with the
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epistle to Philemon, to introduce him again into his master's family.
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Observe, Though he was a poor servant, and had been a bad man, yet,
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being now a convert, Paul calls him a <I>faithful and beloved
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brother.</I> The meanest circumstance of life, and greatest wickedness
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of former life, make no difference in the spiritual relation among
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sincere Christians: they partake of the same privileges, and are
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entitles to the same regards. The <I>righteousness of God by faith of
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Jesus Christ is unto all and upon all those that believe; for there is
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no difference</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+3:22">Rom. iii. 22</A>):
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and <I>there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither bond nor free, for you
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|
are all one in Christ Jesus,</I>
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|
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+3:28">Gal. iii. 28</A>.
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Perhaps this was some time after he was converted and sent back to
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|
Philemon, and by this time he had entered into the ministry, because
|
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Paul calls him a brother.</P>
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|
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<P>
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|
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III. <I>Aristarchus, a fellow-prisoner.</I> Those who join in services
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|
and sufferings should be thereby engaged to one another in holy love.
|
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Paul had a particular affection for his fellow-servants and his
|
|
fellow-prisoners.</P>
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|
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<P>
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|
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IV. <I>Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas.</I> This is supposed to be the
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|
same who wrote the gospel which bears his name. <I>If he come unto you
|
|
receive him.</I> Paul had a quarrel with Barnabas upon the account of
|
|
this Mark, who was his nephew, and <I>thought not good to take him with
|
|
them, because he departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with
|
|
them to the work,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+15:38">Acts xv. 38</A>.
|
|
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He would not take Mark with him, but took Silas, because Mark had
|
|
deserted them; and yet Paul is not only reconciled to him himself, but
|
|
recommends him to the respect of the churches, and gives a great
|
|
example of a truly Christian forgiving spirit. If men have been guilty
|
|
of a fault, it must not be always remembered against them. We must
|
|
forget as well as forgive. <I>If a man be overtaken in a fault, you who
|
|
are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ga+6:1">Gal. vi. 1</A>.</P>
|
|
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|
<P>
|
|
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|
V. Here is one who is called <I>Jesus,</I> which is the Greek name for
|
|
the Hebrew <I>Joshua. If Jesus had given them rest, then would he not
|
|
afterwards have spoken of another day,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+4:8">Heb. iv. 8</A>.
|
|
|
|
<I>Who is called Justus.</I> It is probable that he changed his name
|
|
for that of Justus, in honour to the name of the Redeemer. Or else
|
|
Jesus was his Jewish name, for he was of the circumcision; and Justus
|
|
his Roman or Latin name. <I>These are my fellow-labourers unto the
|
|
kingdom of God, who have been a comfort unto me.</I> Observe, What
|
|
comfort the apostle had in the communion of saints and ministers! One
|
|
is his fellow-servant, another his fellow-prisoner, and all his
|
|
fellow-workers, who were working out their own salvation and
|
|
endeavouring to promote the salvation of others. Good ministers take
|
|
great comfort in those who are their fellow-workers unto the kingdom of
|
|
God. Their friendship and converse together are a great refreshment
|
|
under the sufferings and difficulties in their way.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
VI. <I>Epaphras</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>),
|
|
|
|
the same with <I>Epaphroditus.</I> He is <I>one of you,</I> one of your
|
|
church; <I>he salutes you,</I> or sends his service to you, and his
|
|
best affections and wishes. <I>Always labouring fervently for you in
|
|
prayers.</I> Epaphras had learned of Paul to be much in prayer for his
|
|
friends. Observe,
|
|
|
|
1. In what manner he prayed for them. He laboured in prayer, laboured
|
|
fervently, and always laboured fervently for them. Those who would
|
|
succeed in prayer must take pains in prayer; and we must be earnest in
|
|
prayer, not only for ourselves, but for others also. It is the
|
|
effectual fervent prayer which is the prevailing prayer, and availeth
|
|
much
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+5:16">Jam. v. 16</A>),
|
|
|
|
and <I>Elias prayed earnestly that it might not rain,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
2. What is the matter of this prayer: <I>That you may stand perfect
|
|
and complete in all the will of God.</I> Observe, To stand perfect and
|
|
complete in the will of God is what we should earnestly desire both for
|
|
ourselves and others. We must stand complete in all the will of God; in
|
|
the will of his precepts by a universal obedience, and in the will of
|
|
his providence by a cheerful submission to it: and we stand perfect and
|
|
complete in both by constancy and perseverance unto the end. The
|
|
apostle was witness for Epaphras that he had a great zeal for them:
|
|
"<I>I bear him record;</I> I can testify for him that he has a great
|
|
concern for you, and that all he does for you proceeds from a warm
|
|
desire for your good." And his zeal extended to all about them: to
|
|
<I>those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.</I> He had a great concern
|
|
for the Christian interest in the neighbouring places, as well as among
|
|
them.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
VII. <I>Luke</I> is another here mentioned, whom he calls the
|
|
<I>beloved physician.</I> This is he who wrote the Gospel and Acts, and
|
|
was Paul's companion. Observe, He was both a physician and an
|
|
evangelist. Christ himself both taught and healed, and was the great
|
|
physician as well as prophet of the church. He was the beloved
|
|
physician; one who recommended himself more than ordinary to the
|
|
affections of his friends. Skill in physic is a useful accomplishment
|
|
in a minister and may be improved to more extensive usefulness and
|
|
greater esteem among Christians.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
VIII. <I>Demas.</I> Whether this was written before the second epistle
|
|
to Timothy or after is not certain. There we read
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+4:10">2 Tim. iv. 10</A>),
|
|
|
|
<I>Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world.</I> Some
|
|
have thought that this epistle was written after; and then it is an
|
|
evidence that, though Demas forsook Paul, yet he did not forsake
|
|
Christ; or he forsook him but for a time, and recovered himself again,
|
|
and Paul forgave him and owned him as a brother. But others think more
|
|
probably that this epistle was written before the other; this in
|
|
<I>anno</I> 62, that in 66, and then it is an evidence how considerable
|
|
a man Demas was, who yet afterwards revolted. Many who have made a
|
|
great figure in profession, and gained a great name among Christians,
|
|
have yet shamefully apostatized: <I>They went forth from us, because
|
|
they were not of us,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Jo+2:19">1 John ii. 19</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
IX. The <I>brethren in Laodicea</I> are here mentioned, as living in
|
|
the neighbourhood of Colosse: and Paul sends salutations to them, and
|
|
orders that this epistle should be read in the church of the Laodiceans
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>),
|
|
|
|
that a copy of it should be sent thither, to be read publicly in their
|
|
congregation. And some think Paul sent another epistle at this time to
|
|
Laodicea, and ordered them to send for that from Laodicea, and read it
|
|
in their church: <I>And that you likewise read the epistle from
|
|
Laodicea.</I> If so, that epistle is now lost, and did not belong to
|
|
the canon; for all the epistles which the apostles ever wrote were not
|
|
preserved, any more than the words and actions of our blessed Lord.
|
|
<I>There are many other things which Jesus did, which if they should be
|
|
written every one, I suppose the world itself could not contain the
|
|
books which would be written,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+21:25">John xxi. 25</A>.
|
|
|
|
But some think it was the epistle to the Ephesians, which is still
|
|
extant.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
X. <I>Nymphas</I> is mentioned
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>)
|
|
|
|
as one who lived at Colosse, and had a church in his house; that is,
|
|
either a religious family, where the several parts of worship were
|
|
daily performed; or some part of the congregation met there, when they
|
|
had no public places of worship allowed, and they were forced to
|
|
assemble in private houses for fear of their enemies. <I>The disciples
|
|
were assembled for fear of the Jews</I>
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+20:19">John xx. 19</A>),
|
|
|
|
and the apostle preached in his <I>own lodging and hired house,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ac+28:23,30">Acts xxviii. 23, 30</A>.
|
|
|
|
In the former sense it showed his exemplary piety; in the latter his
|
|
zeal and public spirit.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
XI. Concerning <I>Archippus,</I> who was one of their ministers at
|
|
Colosse. They are bidden to admonish him to mind his work as a
|
|
minister, to <I>take heed to it, and to fulfil it</I>--to be diligent
|
|
and careful of all the parts of it, and to persevere in it unto the
|
|
end. They must attend to the main design of their ministry, without
|
|
troubling themselves or the people with things foreign to it, or of
|
|
less moment. Observe,
|
|
|
|
(1.) The ministry we have received is a great honour; for it is
|
|
<I>received in the Lord,</I> and is by his appointment and command.
|
|
|
|
(2.) Those who have received it must fulfil it, or do the full duty of
|
|
it. Those betray their trust, and will have a sad account at last, who
|
|
<I>do this work of the Lord negligently.</I>
|
|
|
|
(3.) The people may put their ministers in mind of their duty, and
|
|
excite them to it: <I>Say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry,</I>
|
|
though no doubt with decency and respect, not from pride and
|
|
conceit.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
XII. Concerning himself
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Col+4:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>):
|
|
|
|
<I>The salutation of me Paul. Remember my bonds.</I> He had a scribe to
|
|
write all the rest of the epistle, but these words he wrote with his
|
|
own hand: <I>Remember my bonds.</I> He does not say, "Remember I am a
|
|
prisoner, and send me supply;" but, "Remember I am in bonds as the
|
|
apostle of the Gentiles, and let this confirm your faith in the gospel
|
|
of Christ:" it adds weight to this exhortation: <I>I therefore, the
|
|
prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy,</I>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+4:1">Eph. iv. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
"<I>Grace be with you.</I> The favour of God, and all good, the blessed
|
|
fruits and effects of it, be with you, and be your portion."</P>
|
|
|
|
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