Pray that I may declare it clearlyPaul is requesting prayer from the Colossian believers, emphasizing the importance of intercessory prayer in the life of a Christian. This reflects the communal nature of the early church, where believers supported one another through prayer. The apostle's request highlights the need for clarity in communicating the gospel, a theme consistent throughout his letters (
Ephesians 6:19-20). The Greek word for "declare" suggests making something known or manifest, indicating Paul's desire for the message of Christ to be understood without confusion. This aligns with the broader biblical mandate for believers to be ready to give an answer for their hope (
1 Peter 3:15).
as I should
Paul acknowledges a divine obligation to preach the gospel, reflecting his calling as an apostle (1 Corinthians 9:16). This phrase underscores the responsibility of all believers to share their faith, but especially those in leadership. The phrase "as I should" implies a standard or expectation set by God, reminding readers of the seriousness of the task. Paul's sense of duty is rooted in his encounter with Christ and his commission to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). This also connects to the prophetic role of declaring God's truth, seen throughout the Old Testament in figures like Isaiah and Jeremiah, who were called to speak God's word to the people.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulThe apostle and author of the letter to the Colossians, writing from prison. He is seeking prayer support for his ministry.
2.
ColossaeAn ancient city in Asia Minor, where the recipients of the letter resided. The church there was dealing with false teachings.
3.
The Colossian ChurchThe body of believers in Colossae, to whom Paul is writing. They are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith.
4.
PrayerA central theme in this passage, highlighting the importance of intercession for clarity in proclaiming the gospel.
5.
The GospelThe message Paul is eager to communicate clearly, emphasizing the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Clarity in CommunicationPaul emphasizes the need for clear communication of the gospel. As believers, we should strive to articulate our faith clearly and understandably.
The Role of Prayer in MinistryPrayer is essential for effective ministry. We should regularly pray for those who preach and teach, asking God to grant them clarity and boldness.
Dependence on God for Effective WitnessPaul’s request for prayer highlights his dependence on God. We, too, should rely on God’s strength and wisdom in our witness to others.
The Power of Community SupportPaul’s appeal to the Colossians for prayer underscores the importance of community support in ministry. We should actively support one another through prayer and encouragement.
Responsibility to Share the GospelPaul’s sense of duty to declare the gospel "as I should" reminds us of our responsibility to share the good news with others, fulfilling the Great Commission.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Colossians 4:4?
2.How can we "proclaim it clearly" in our daily conversations and actions?
3.What does Colossians 4:4 teach about the importance of clarity in sharing faith?
4.How does Colossians 4:4 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?
5.In what ways can prayer help us "proclaim it clearly"?
6.How can we ensure our message aligns with biblical truth when sharing faith?
7.What does Colossians 4:4 mean by "proclaim it clearly" in a modern context?
8.How does Colossians 4:4 challenge our approach to sharing the Gospel today?
9.Why is clarity emphasized in Colossians 4:4 when communicating faith?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Colossians 4?
11.How can we maintain unity in the spirit of peace?
12.What does the Bible say about faith healing?
13.Is worshiping the Holy Spirit appropriate?
14.What defines seeker-friendly churches?What Does Colossians 4:4 Mean
Pray• Paul says, “Pray,” placing the very first responsibility on the Colossians’ intercession rather than on his own skill.
• This echoesEphesians 6:19—“Pray also for me, that the words may be given to me to boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel.”
•1 Thessalonians 5:25 simply asks, “Brothers, pray for us,” showing that even an apostle depends on the body’s prayers.
•Acts 4:31 shows prayer fueling proclamation: “When they had prayed, the place…was shaken…they spoke the word of God with boldness.”
that I may declare it• “It” points back to “the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:3). Paul’s life mission is to make that mystery known.
•Acts 20:24—“I consider my life worth nothing…if only I may finish my course and the ministry I have received…to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.”
•2 Corinthians 5:20—“We are therefore ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us.”
•1 Corinthians 2:2—“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
clearly• Paul longs not merely to speak but to do so “clearly,” cutting through confusion.
•2 Corinthians 4:2—“We have renounced secret and shameful ways…by open proclamation of the truth we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience.”
•Acts 28:31—“Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.”
• Practical facets of clarity:
– Plain language over lofty rhetoric (cf.1 Corinthians 2:4).
– Centering every point on Christ, not opinions.
– Trusting the Spirit to illuminate hearts (John 16:13).
as I should• The phrase shows moral obligation: proclaiming the gospel is not optional.
•1 Corinthians 9:16—“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”
•2 Timothy 4:2—“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.”
•Romans 1:14-16—Paul is “obligated” to Greeks and barbarians alike because the gospel “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”
• For every believer, “should” anchors proclamation in obedience, not convenience.
summaryColossians 4:4 captures Paul’s heart: he leans on the prayers of God’s people so he can make the mystery of Christ unmistakable, speaking with simplicity, boldness, and a sense of holy duty. Our own witness finds strength in the same pattern—prayerful dependence, crystal-clear focus on Jesus, and faithful obedience to share Him whenever and wherever the Lord opens the door.
Verse 4. -
That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak (
Ephesians 6:20;
2 Corinthians 2:17;
2 Corinthians 4:1-6;
2 Corinthians 5:11, 20-6:10;
Romans 12:6;
2 Timothy 2:24-26;
2 Timothy 3:10;
Acts 20:18-21, 27, 33-35). This clause qualifies the last; the "open door" is to be asked for the apostle, that he may make effective use of it.
The mystery has been
made manifest by God in the mission of Christ (
Colossians 1:27;
Colossians 2:15, note;
2 Corinthians 5:19, etc.); but that manifestation has to be made known to the Gentile world (
Ephesians 3:9;
2 Corinthians 2:14;
Romans 10:14). To this end he had received a special manifestation of "the mystery of Christ" (
2 Corinthians 4:6;
2 Corinthians 5:19;
Galatians 1:15, 16;
Acts 9:15, 16;
Acts 22:14, 15, 21;
Acts 26:16-18).
How the apostle conceives that he "ought to speak" appears from the parallel passages (see especially
2 Corinthians 5;
2 Corinthians 6; and
Acts 20.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
[Pray] thatἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.I may declare it clearly,φανερώσω(phanerōsō)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5319:To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent.asὡς(hōs)Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.Iμε(me)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.should.δεῖ(dei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1163:Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.
Links
Colossians 4:4 NIVColossians 4:4 NLTColossians 4:4 ESVColossians 4:4 NASBColossians 4:4 KJV
Colossians 4:4 BibleApps.comColossians 4:4 Biblia ParalelaColossians 4:4 Chinese BibleColossians 4:4 French BibleColossians 4:4 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: Colossians 4:4 That I may reveal it as (Coloss. Col Co) 
