“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;”
At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in chains — 'Open a door for the word' (thura anoigō tō logō) is metaphor: circumstances allowing gospel proclamation. Paul requests intercession for his preaching opportunity. 'The mystery of Christ' echoes 1:27: the gospel's hidden-now-revealed content. 'On account of which I am in chains' (di' ho) shows his imprisonment stems from gospel witness. His captivity is gospel-productive.
Church Fathers on Colossians 4:2
“Continue in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving.” For, since continuing in prayers frequently makes persons listless, therefore he says, “watching,” that is, sober, not wandering. For the devil knows, he knows, how great a good prayer is; therefore he presses heavily. And Paul also knows how careless many are when they pray, wherefore he says, “continue” in prayer, as of somewhat laborious, “watching therein with thanksgiving.” For let this, he says, be your work, to…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!