Final word and prayer request (4:2-6)
(final word and prayer request)
“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving (「在此警醒感恩」).” (4:2) In Ephesians, Paul in his final word presents the very important message of “the whole armour of God”. The final weapon is prayer: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching (「警醒不倦」) thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” (E 6:18)
Paul then asks the Colossians to pray for him so that he can spread the gospel in spite of his imprisonment: “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance (「開傳道的門」), to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” (4:3-4) In Ephesians he also requests the same prayer: “And [pray] for me, that utterance (口才) may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds, that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak (「照著當盡的本分」).” (E 6:19-20) In Colossians, he prays for gospel opportunity whereas in Ephesians, he prays for boldness to speak.
Paul still has words of encouragement for the Colossians after making his personal prayer request. “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without (「用智慧與外人交往」), redeeming the time (「愛惜光陰」).” (4:5) In Ephesians, Paul has given a similar exhortation: “See then that ye walk circumspectly (「謹慎行事」), not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” (E 5:15-17) How does one make best use of the time? We need to understand the Lord’s will and do according to His will.
“Let your speech be always with grace (和氣), seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (4:6) E 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace (得益處) unto the hearers.” Our speech should always be constructive rather than destructive, bringing God’s grace to the hearers rather than disgracing God.