Illustrated New TestamentColossians 4

This direction, and that contained in Eph. 6:9, prescribe very distinctly the duty of masters to slaves. The one forbids that they should employ any violence, even that of words, in exacting service; and the other enjoins the making of an equitable return to them for their labors. The Christian master, therefore, who will not coerce his servants, nor even threaten coercion, who pays them what is justly their due, and treats them kindly, remembering that he has himself a Master in heaven, fulfils the duties of this relation as enjoined upon him in the word of God.

The mystery of Christ; the truth long hidden, but now revealed, that Jesus Christ was the spiritual Redeemer of mankind.

Them that are without; unbelievers.

Salt; the salt of piety.

Tychicus; the bearer of this letter, and also of the one written at the same time to the Ephesians. (Eph. 6:21.)

Onesimus. This Onesimus was the servant of Philemon, who returned with Tychicus to his master at Colosse, with the letter known as the Epistle to Philemon.

Aristarchus. In Acts 19:29, and 20:4, Aristarchus is mentioned as Paul's companion and fellow-sufferer. He accompanied Paul to Rome, as is stated Acts 27:2.—Marcus; Mark John, in regard to whom Paul and Barnabas disagreed, as related Acts 15:37-39. Paul had become afterwards reconciled to him, and had sent for him to come to Rome. (2 Tim. 4:11.)

Jesus. This was not an uncommon name among the Jews. It was the Greek form of the word Joshua. (Heb. 4:8.) Justus is a Latin form, being the name, probably, which he received among the Romans.—Of the circumcision; of the Jewish nation.—These only are, &c.; that is, from among the Jews.

Zeal for you; affectionate interest in you.—Hierapolis; a city near Laodicea and Colosse.

Luke; probably the same Luke who wrote the Gospel which bears his name, and the book of the Acts. He went with the apostle to Rome, as appears from his account of the voyage, in which he uses language which includes himself as one of the company. (Acts 27:1, 2.)

The epistle from Laodicea. We have no other information, in respect to this Epistle, than what is implied in this allusion.

The salutation by the hand of me Paul; the Epistle itself having been written by a person employed as an amanuensis.