Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 4:4
That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
4. That I may make it manifest ] Cp. Eph 6:20. The request for prayer for opportunity glides into that for prayer for grace to use it.
“ Make manifest ” : the word is the same as that in e.g. 2Co 4:10-11. It is used only here by St Paul in just this connexion, and here probably means more than merely exposition. The message, set in the light of the messenger’s life in God, was to be a “ revelation.”
I ought ] under the holy obligation of my commission. Cp. 1Co 9:16; and see Act 20:24; Rom 1:14-15.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
That I may make it manifest … – Notes, Eph 6:20.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 4. That I may make it manifest] It was a mystery, and he wished to make it manifest-to lay it open, and make all men see it.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
That I may manifest, or open and clear, it in due circumstances, as becomes an able minister of Christ, Rom 1:15; 1Co 2:4; 1Co 9:16 with 2Ti 2:15; 4:2.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
4. ALFORDthinks that Paul asks their prayers for his release as if it were the”only” way by which he could “make it (the Gospel)manifest” as he ought. But while this is included intheir subject of prayer, Phi 1:12;Phi 1:13, written somewhat laterin his imprisonment, clearly shows that “a door for the word”could be opened, and was opened, for its manifestation, evenwhile he remained imprisoned (compare 2Ti2:9).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
That I may make it manifest,…. It being a mystery, a secret, which was hid in God from everlasting, and, during the legal dispensation, was wrapped up in types, and shadows, and sacrifices, and is still hidden unto the natural man. Wherefore the apostle was desirous of making it manifest in a ministerial way; for God only, by his Spirit, makes it manifest in a spiritual, experimental, and saving way.
As, says he,
I ought to speak. The Arabic version adds, “concerning it”, the Gospel, the mystery of Christ. The apostle’s meaning is, that he might deliver it with that clearness and evidence, and use that plainness of speech which became the Gospel, and him as a minister of it, and not ambiguous expressions, equivocal phrases, words of double meanings, on purpose to hide things from men, but by manifestation of the truth, to commend himself to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. As also to speak it faithfully, declaring the whole counsel of God, keeping back nothing that might be profitable to the churches; and with all constancy and certainty, with all boldness and intrepidity of soul, and freedom of mind; not seeking to please men, aiming at vain glory, and popular applause, or being afraid of their faces, menaces, and reproaches.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
As I ought to speak ( ). Wonderful as Paul’s preaching was to his hearers and seems to us, he was never satisfied with it. What preacher can be?
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
That I may make it manifest [ ] . Compare speak boldly, Eph 6:20. That connects with the clause that God – Christ.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “That I may make it manifest” (hina phaneroso auto) ” In order that I may manifest it,” the mystery of Christ, the gospel, through the Church, Eph 3:8-11; Eph 3:21; 1Ti 3:15-16; Tit 1:3.
2) “As I ought to speak” (hos dei me lalesai) “As it becomes or behooves me to speak” up and speak out, in the power of the spirit, 1Co 2:4-8; 2Co 2:14; 2Co 2:17. Paul felt that he had an obligation to speak the Word of the gospel with much boldness, even under bonds. Act 4:13; Act 4:29; Act 4:31; Php_1:20.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
4. As I ought. This clause sets forth more strongly the difficulty, for he intimates that it is no ordinary matter. In the Epistle to the Ephesians, (Eph 6:20,) he adds, ἵνα παῤῥησιάσωμαι, ( that I may speak boldly,) from which it appears that he desired for himself an undaunted confidence, such as befits the majesty of the gospel. Farther, as Paul here does nothing else than desire that grace may be given him for the discharge of his office, let us bear in mind that a rule is in like manner prescribed to us, not to give way to the fury of our adversaries, but to strive even to death in the publication of the gospel. As this, however, is beyond our power, it is necessary that we should continue in prayer, that the Lord may not leave us destitute of the spirit of confidence.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
4. Ought to speak Doubtless the apostle is thinking of that untrammelled speech which comported both with his high calling and his heart’s desire, but which his imprisonment hindered. Whether the answer shall come through his release or in some other way, he will be content if the cause of the gospel be advanced.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Col 4:4 . . . .] cannot, seeing that the preceding . . . means the free preaching outside of the prison, be dependent either on (Bengel, Hofmann, comp. Theodoret) or on , so that it would run parallel with in Col 4:3 (Beza, Bhr, de Wette, Baumgarten-Crusius, Dalmer, and others); it is the aim of the . . .: in order that I may make it manifest (by preaching) as I must speak it . Comp. also Bleek, who, however, less simply attaches it already to . . . The significant weight of this clause expressing the aim lies in the specification of mode , in which has the emphasis. To give forth his preaching in such measure, as it was the necessity of his apostolic destiny to do ( ) so frankly and without reserve, so free from hindrance, so far and wide from land to land, with such liberty to form churches and to combat erroneous teachings, and so forth
Paul was unable, so long as he was in captivity, even when others were allowed access to him. There is a tragic trait in this , the feeling of the hindered present . The traditional explanation is that of Chrysostom: , namely, in captivity , where Paul longed to speak in the right way (de Wette; so usually), or conformably to higher necessity (Bhr, Huther, comp. Beza, 1Co 9:16 ), or without allowing himself to be disturbed in his preaching as apostle to the Gentiles by his imprisonment occasioned by Jewish-Christian hostility (Hofmann). But in opposition to the reference of the whole intercession to the ministry in prison , see on Col 4:3 . The wish and the hope of working once more in freedom were so necessarily bound up in Paul with the consciousness of his comprehensive apostolic task, that we can least of all suppose him to have given it up already in Caesarea, where he appealed to the emperor. Even in the Epistle to the Philippians (Phi 1:25 , Phi 2:24 ), his expectation is still in fact directed to renewed freedom of working.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
Ver. 4. As I ought to speak ] As every sound is not music, so neither is every pulpit discourse a sermon.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
4 .] The second gives the purpose of the previous verse, not the purpose of , as Chrys. ( , ), Bengel (‘vinctus sum ut patefaciam: paradoxon’), nor to be joined with , as Beza, De W., al. If that might be so, the door opened, &c., then he would make it known as he ought to do then he would be fulfilling the requirements of that apostolic calling, from which now in his imprisonment he was laid aside. Certainly this is the meaning, and not, as ordinarily understood, cf. Chrys., al., that he might boldly declare the Gospel in his imprisonment .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Col 4:4 . is variously connected. The usual way is best which connects it with . This is better than going back to ., while the connexion with . is strained. It may be taken (as Beng., Hofm., Sod.) with , “bound in order that I may manifest,” but if so why should Paul have desired liberty? Soden gives a peculiar turn to the thought. He thinks Paul is bound in order that he may manifest to his judges how he can do no other ( emphatic) than preach. This seems to be met by Haupt’s criticism that for this we must have had . . Soden urges in favour of his interpretation that . is never used of Paul’s preaching, but there seems to be no reason why it should not be. It is a stronger word than ., he wants to “make it clear”. refers to the mode of preaching, but the precise sense is uncertain. Some think it means boldly, others in a way suited to the peculiar circumstances, others in a way that shall be equal to the greatness of the message. Or, again, a reference is assumed by many to the Judaising opposition. But probably the feeling that prompts the words is that in prison his activity was curbed, and he wished to be free that he might preach the Gospel without restriction.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
make . . . manifest. App-106. Compare Eph 6:20.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
4.] The second gives the purpose of the previous verse, not the purpose of , as Chrys. ( , ), Bengel (vinctus sum ut patefaciam: paradoxon), nor to be joined with , as Beza, De W., al. If that might be so, the door opened, &c.,-then he would make it known as he ought to do-then he would be fulfilling the requirements of that apostolic calling, from which now in his imprisonment he was laid aside. Certainly this is the meaning,-and not, as ordinarily understood, cf. Chrys., al., that he might boldly declare the Gospel in his imprisonment.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Col 4:4. , as) This depends on , to speak, Col 4:3.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Col 4:4
Col 4:4
that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.-Sometimes Paul felt that he might be affrighted so that he would not faithfully declare the truth in the way that he should. [The needs of the world and the grandeur of the gospel were to Paul an imperative necessity, leaving him no choice but compelling him as if by main force to preach the word wherever he could and at all cost. This felt necessity forced him to make this appeal for the help of their prayers.]
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
I may: Mat 10:26, Mat 10:27, Act 4:29, 2Co 3:12, 2Co 4:1-4
as: Col 4:6, Act 5:29, 1Co 2:4, 1Co 2:5, 2Co 2:14-17, Eph 6:20
Reciprocal: Pro 23:16 – thy Isa 57:19 – the fruit Eze 29:21 – the opening Luk 21:15 – I will Act 28:31 – with 1Co 1:5 – in all Phi 1:14 – waxing
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
(Col 4:4.) , -That I may make it manifest as I ought to speak. Quite peculiar is the connection invented by Bengel-, , vinctus sum ut patefaciam. Paradoxon. We do not agree with Beza, Bhr, and De Wette, that the two conjunctions () are parallel, and both depending on , for the last one appears simply to develop the order of thought. They were to pray in order that God would open a door of utterance for him, and this in order that he might preach the gospel with all his original boldness and freedom. The one , therefore, depends upon the other-praying in order that God would open a door of utterance for me to speak the mystery of Christ, in order that this being granted I may make it manifest as I ought to speak. Some understand by the phrase, as I ought to speak, the moral qualities of preaching-but Meyer thinks that the apostle refers simply to freedom of speech, to absence of physical restraint, or to unlimited power of travel from land to land. But the comprehensive phrase, as I ought to speak, may comprehend both sets of ideas, and certainly the context does not limit it to the latter. It is true that imprisonment deprived the apostle of the power of preaching at all, but when he says, as I ought, the pregnant phrase refers not simply to his commission, as the world’s apostle, and to the licence of travel which it involved, but also to the spirit in which such duty should be discharged. For it might be surmised that what Paul had suffered for the gospel had lessened his love for it, or modified his views of the office which he held. And may we not suppose that the apostle wished the world to understand, that if he were liberated, there would be no abatement of his zeal, no subduedness of tone in his speech, no mutilation of his message, and no accommodation of it so as to avoid a recurrence of the penalty, but all his old fervour and power, all his former breadth of view, and all his uncompromising hostility to Jewish narrowness and bigotry-that I may make it manifest as I ought to speak. The form of request presented to the Ephesians is more pointed. He twice asks them to pray for him, that he may speak with boldness, and he graphically depicts himself as an ambassador in chains.
The exhortations of the two following verses refer to the outer aspects of Christian conduct, or such aspects of it as present themselves to the world. While they were to set their affections on things above, and mortify their members which are upon the earth; while they were to put off certain vices, and assume certain virtues, culminating in love; while they were to be exemplary in every social relation-as husbands and wives, parents and children, masters and servants; and while they were to be instant in prayer for themselves and for the apostle, all this ethical code referred to personal and mutual spiritual duties within the church. They must, however, in ordinary circumstances, come in contact with unbelieving heathenism around them. If they shrank entirely from such company, the inference of the apostle would be realized-for then must ye needs go out of the world. But they were not to go out of the world because it was bad, they were to remain in it for the purpose of making it better. And that their conduct might exercise such a beneficial influence they were thus enjoined-
Fuente: Commentary on the Greek Text of Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians and Phillipians
Col 4:4. A mystery is anything that is not known, whether complicated or simple in its character. Paul refers to the mystery of the Gospel in the preceding verse, now in this he wishes to be able to make it manifest or known to those with whom the “door of utterance” would bring him into contact.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Col 4:4. That I may make it manifest. This is the end of the speaking, or of the entire petition. They should pray that he might preach; but he should preach in order to make manifest the mystery of Christ.
As I ought to speak. Comp. Eph 6:20; but there the reference is to his labors, while still imprisoned. Here the meaning is: as I ought to do it (namely, freely and unrestrainedly), so as best to advance and further the gospel (Ellicott).
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
“That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”
Paul realized the importance of making the Gospel manifest or clear and concise. Let’s think about the gospel for awhile.
What is the Gospel? How do you put it precisely and succinctly?
What are the elements of the gospel? That which a person must hear to be saved. I would like for you to take a little challenge. We had a pastor once that passed out three by five inch cards and asked all to put down the gospel in twenty-five words or less. Something we could share with someone that was on their death bed.
Give it a try – the Gospel in twenty-five words or less.
Some things we should understand before we go further.
1. We can’t possibly talk a person into heaven.
2. We can’t possibly talk the wrong person (or the non-predestined) into heaven.
3. We can’t say anything that will cause a person to go into hell. If that person is to be a child of God HE WILL BE!
4. We may never lead anyone to Christ.
5. We may lead hundreds to Christ.
6. We are only a tool that the Holy Spirit uses to finalize the work that He has already been doing in the life.
7. There is no key verse or phrase that will bring the sinner to his knees before the Lord.
8. There is nothing we can do to save anyone. They must make a decision based on their knowledge.
9. Without the work of the Holy Spirit there is nothing that can be done to draw a lost person to Christ.
Let us imagine now for a moment or two. You have just come upon a very bad car accident. You run up to see if you can help. Someone points to a young man that is obviously near death and says “See what you can do.”
As you talk with the man, you feel that he is lost and very concerned about his eternal destiny. Imagine that you have only seconds to share the Gospel with him.
How would you share the Gospel in 25 words or less.
Let’s look at some possibles.
Christ was crucified, buried and raised. Believe – ask for salvation. (10 words)
If you’ve lied you’re lost. Christ was God – crucified – buried – and raised for your sin. If you believe this ask Him to save you. (24 words)
Christ was perfect sacrifice for your sin – accept Him. (9 words)
Christ died for your sin. Ask for salvation. (8 words)
Let’s consider the twenty-four word try. Would it do the job? It might. How can we improve it?
“If you’ve lied you’re lost. Christ was God – crucified – buried – and raised for your sin. If you believe this ask Him to save you.”
If you’ve lied you’re hell bound. (makes it 26 words)
Christ was God – was crucified for your sin – buried & raised. (makes it 27 words)
Accept this & you will be saved. (makes it 22 words)
Would you add to the front of the second line? “If youre sorry” (makes it 25 words)
If you’ve lied you’re hell bound. If you’re sorry Christ was God – was crucified for your sin – buried & raised. Accept this & you will be saved.
Does this do it? NO for Christ is God whether they are sorry or not. Yes this is a real challenge!
Are you sorry? might work.
If you’ve lied you’re hell bound. Are you sorry? Christ was God – was crucified for your sin – buried & raised. Accept this & you will be saved.
Give some thought to this idea of setting down your faith in as few words as possible.
What are the essentials to salvation that we need to include in our witnessing?
1. Repentance for example is listed among the required items of witnessing by some, yet others leave it out because great texts of the scripture do not mention it in relation to salvation in the church age.
What are the pros and cons?
John’s gospel does not mention the term once while it emphasizes “belief” greatly.
1Co 15:1-58 does not mention repentance but states belief is the key. READ 1Co 15:1-8
What is the answer to this question?
What is repentance?
A change of mind. If I were to leave New York City to drive to California and while crossing Nebraska I decided, this is a dumb idea, and turn around to go back to New York I have had a change of mind.
If a person moves from a position of going to Hell or rejecting God to a place of accepting God and going to Heaven, then that person has had a change of mind. This requires belief and the result is change of direction.
I agree that repentance is a definite part of salvation. It seems that John was viewing those that believed as having had a change of mind or if you will “repentance.” Paul in I Cor. is not laying out a full discourse on the Gospel – only reminding them of some of the things that they had placed their trust in.
Simple belief is not enough for it is possible to have a knowledge of facts in the head but not have a saving faith that those facts are going to save you.
As the driver in Nebraska made a conscious choice to change directions so must the lost person come to a point when he or she says yes – before I was walking against God and now I want to walk with God.
You don’t have to beat them over the head with a stick trying to get them to repent – but you should see to it that they have a change of mind toward sin and their previous life. This requires they understand their sin and their lostness.
2. Lordship Some feel that at the time a person accepts Christ he or she must also make Christ the Lord of their life. They must assume a master servant relationship. Others say, No that is an item of maturation and will come later.
What say ye?
Some possible help for the situation:
a. It would seem natural for Lordship to come, for that seems to be how it was in the early church.
b. It would seem to be our reasonable service according to Rom 12:1-2
c. It would certainly help the persons testimony before the world.
d. It says that we are bought with a price – we belong to Him that paid the price.
Is Lordship a pre-requisite to salvation?
I see the Master as purchasing and paying the price. We become a servant of that Master. Whether we serve or rebel is a matter of walk not salvation.
It would seem however that Lordship at the time of salvation would be a very distinct testimony of a true change of mind and turning to God.
3. Hell
Some say that Hell is something that is very negative and that it should not be used in witnessing. It is a detraction from the real decision of accepting or rejecting God.
Do you think Hell is a needed part of witnessing?
In the New Testament days Hell was an accepted truth as was heaven. Today many do not believe in Hell so they must be told of its existence and reality. Otherwise how can they properly understand the gulf that separates them from God?
We have to get them lost before we can get them saved, so to speak.
Other things that are needed that usually are not disputed:
4. Belief
5. Acceptance/Receiving
6. Sin
Let’s have some fun now and take these essentials and put down some scripture that we could use to show a lost person what they must do to be saved.
As we go through this why don’t you try to find references in your mind that would work and jot them down for your own information.
HELL:
Rev 20:13-15 and 21:8b for some description. Also – speaking of the final judgment: 20:13. 21:8b “the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
REPENTANCE:
Act 20:21 “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2Pe 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
BELIEF:
Joh 1:12 “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the children of God, even to them that believe on his name;”
Act 13:38-39 “Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins; And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”
Act 16:30-31 “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”
Rom 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
1Jn 5:13 “These things have I wrote unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”
ACCEPTANCE:
2Co 11:4 “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”
RECEIVE:
Joh 1:12 “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the children of God, even to them that believe on his name;”
Act 2:41 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
Act 11:1 “And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.”
1Co 15:1 “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and in which ye stand;”
Col 2:6 “As ye have, therefore, received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him,”
If you have pulled verses from your mind for these topics then you have the tools to share Christ with. If you did not have a verse for each jot down some of these and in the coming weeks take time to work out a few that will be easy for you to use with people.
We could give you a list of things to say and you could memorize it and it would work yet if you have some verses that you are comfortable with then witnessing will be more comfortable for you.
LORDSHIP:
In the concordance there are three columns of references for “our Lord,” “the Lord, “the Lord Jesus Christ” and similar terms.
It would seem that He is to be Lord of our lives. This is probably post salvation information however.
Another item that we should mention which definitely is a post salvation item is FOLLOWUP!
Many failures in this area have caused great delays in the spiritual maturing of many Christians.
I was saved as a Senior in high school but was never discipled. Indeed, I was not told what I was to do as a Christian. I entered the Navy on a four-year enlistment and maintained the typical sailor image. I stood outside of a Christian Servicemen’s center in Vallejo, CA one evening but didn’t go in because I had no idea what a Christian Servicemen’s center was. I tried to read the Bible a few times because I thought that might help me but I started in the genealogies and really wasn’t too thrilled with that.
I have often wondered what would have happened if someone had taken only a few hours and told me some of the basics. Maybe I would have sought out a local church etc.
When you lead someone to the Lord take time if at all possible to disciple them. Cover some of the basics of the faith so that they can beware of the cults and wrong isms.
Prayer
Bible Study
Security of the believer
Church
Witnessing