Colossians 4:3
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as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
for us--myself and Timothy (Col 1:1). a door of utterance--Translate, "a door for the word." Not as in Eph 6:19, where power of "utterance" is his petition. Here it is an opportunity for preaching the word, which would be best afforded by his release from prison (Co1 16:9; Co2 2:12; Plm 1:22; Rev 3:8). to speak--so that we may speak. the mystery of Christ-- (Col 1:27). for which . . . also--on account of which I am (not only "an ambassador," Eph 6:20, but) ALSO in bonds.
Open source ↗I. He continues his account of the duty of masters, from the close of the former chapter (Col 4:1). II. He exhorts to the duty of prayer (Col 4:2-4), and to a prudent and decent conduct towards those with whom we converse (Col 4:5, Col 4:6). III. He closes the epistle with the mention of several of his friends, of whom he gives an honourable testimony (Col 4:7-18).
Open source ↗4:3 that God will give us many opportunities (literally that God might open for us a door): An open door is a metaphor for an opportunity to proclaim the Good News (see also Acts 14:27; 1 Cor 16:9; 2 Cor 2:12). • his mysterious plan concerning Christ: See Col 1:26-27; 2:2. • That is why I am here in chains: Paul’s dedication to preaching the Good News had led to his imprisonment (see Colossians Book Introduction, “Date and Occasion of Writing”).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints.
Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and a door stood open for me in the Lord,
for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!
because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.
Brothers, pray for us as well.
As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received:
He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.