“Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:”
That I may declare it clearly, as I ought to speak — Paul's petition is for 'clear declaration' (phaneroo, reveal, make clear). 'As I ought to speak' (dei me lalēo) shows duty-consciousness: he must proclaim boldly. Clarity is essential: the mystery must be comprehensible, not cryptic. His speech should match the gospel's importance.
Church Fathers on Colossians 4:3
“Withal praying for us also.” See his lowlymindedness; he sets himself after them. “That God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ.” He means an entrance, and boldness in speaking. Wonderful! The great athlete said not “that I may be freed from my bonds,” but being in bonds he exhorted others; and exhorted them for a great object, that himself might get boldness in speaking. Both the two are great, both the quality of the person, and of the…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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