Colossians 4 18

Colossians 4:18 kjv

The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

Colossians 4:18 nkjv

This salutation by my own hand?Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

Colossians 4:18 niv

I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Colossians 4:18 esv

I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Colossians 4:18 nlt

HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING ? PAUL. Remember my chains. May God's grace be with you.

Colossians 4 verses

Colossians 4 18 Meaning

Colossians 4:18 serves as the authenticating and personal conclusion to Paul’s letter, encapsulating his identity, his suffering for the Gospel, and his foundational blessing of divine favor. It signifies Paul’s personal endorsement of the letter's content, urging the believers to acknowledge his tribulations, which were a testament to his faithful ministry. The verse culminates in a prayer for God's unmerited favor to be upon them, reaffirming the core of Christian life and salvation.

Colossians 4 18 Context

Colossians 4:18 marks the concluding personal touch from Paul in his letter to the church at Colossae. The preceding verses (Col 4:7-17) include personal greetings, commendations of co-workers (Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Luke, Demas, Epaphras), and specific instructions for different churches and individuals, notably the message for Archippus and the command to exchange letters with Laodicea. This final verse stands apart as Paul's autograph and a direct, poignant appeal, signifying the personal, apostolic authority behind the letter's extensive theological teachings on Christ's supremacy and practical ethical exhortations. Historically, Paul was likely imprisoned in Rome when writing this letter, a condition that shaped much of his pastoral concerns and reinforced the authenticity of his apostleship despite physical restraints.

Colossians 4 18 Word analysis

• The salutation (Gk. ho aspasmos - ὁ ἀσπασμός):
  • Aspasmos means "a greeting" or "salutation." It refers to the personal, handwritten closing that typically authenticated Paul's letters, distinguishing them from those dictated by an amanuensis. This was crucial in an era where forged letters could undermine apostolic authority or promote false teachings.
  • Significance: Authenticity and direct, personal connection.
• by the hand (Gk. cheiri - χειρί):
  • Refers to the physical hand, indicating that Paul himself penned this specific portion of the letter.
  • Significance: Confirms Paul's personal involvement and ownership of the entire letter, making his preceding doctrines and exhortations fully authoritative for the Colossian believers.
• of me Paul (Gk. tou Paulou - τοῦ Παύλου):
  • Explicit identification of the author. While common in epistles, here it reiterates his personal engagement at the letter's close.
  • Significance: Emphasizes apostolic authority and the unique witness of the apostle to the Gentiles.
• Remember (Gk. mnēmoneuete - μνημονεύετε):
  • A present active imperative verb, meaning "continue to remember" or "keep remembering." It's a command for ongoing mental recognition and spiritual acknowledgment.
  • Significance: A heartfelt plea that transcends mere memory; it implies empathy, prayer, and steadfastness in their own faith amidst difficulties.
• my chains (Gk. tous desmous mou - τοὺς δεσμούς μου):
  • Literally "my bonds" or "my fetters." This refers to Paul's physical imprisonment, likely under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28).
  • Significance: These chains were not a mark of shame but badges of honor for Paul, signifying his suffering for the sake of the Gospel and Christ (Eph 3:1). They were a powerful testimony to his commitment and the cost of following Christ. For the recipients, remembering his chains could inspire endurance, prayer, and deeper understanding of the Gospel's power even in adversity.
• Grace (Gk. charis - χάρις):
  • A fundamental concept in Pauline theology, denoting God's undeserved favor and active benevolence toward humanity, manifested supremely in Christ's death and resurrection. It is the basis of salvation and Christian living.
  • Significance: Paul's common final blessing, it reminds believers that their existence, standing before God, and strength for living out their faith all derive from God’s sovereign grace, not their own merit. It's a parting invocation of divine favor for their well-being and spiritual vitality.
• be with you (Gk. meth’ humōn - μεθ’ ὑμῶν):
  • A wish or prayer for God’s grace to accompany the believers continually.
  • Significance: Underscores the constant need for divine sustenance in Christian life.
• Amen. (Gk. Amēn - Ἀμήν):
  • A Hebrew loanword meaning "so be it," "truly," or "let it be affirmed." It functions as a strong affirmation or conclusion.
  • Significance: A definitive seal, conveying a solemn confirmation of all that has been written and wished. It expresses the writer's deep conviction and longing for the truth and blessing of God's grace to be actualized in the lives of the readers.

Words-group analysis

• "The salutation by the hand of me Paul." This phrase confirms the letter's authenticity directly from Paul. In an age prone to literary forgery, an autograph guaranteed the message's legitimacy and the sender's personal endorsement. It's Paul asserting his personal connection and apostolic authority behind every word written, much of which would have been dictated to a scribe.
• "Remember my chains." This is a poignant, direct command. It is not a call for pity, but for the Colossians to actively acknowledge and internalize the reality of Paul's suffering. His imprisonment validated his commitment to the Gospel and demonstrated that following Christ involved real sacrifice. For the Colossians, it could serve as an encouragement to endure their own trials, a spur to intercessory prayer, or a caution against straying from the authentic faith for which Paul was suffering. His chains are a symbol of his unwavering fidelity.
• "Grace be with you." This typical Pauline benediction serves as a comprehensive spiritual blessing. "Grace" (charis) encompasses all of God's favor, empowering forgiveness, spiritual growth, and strength. This blessing acts as a theological summation and a final prayer for God's constant, unmerited favor to reside within the Colossian believers, ensuring their spiritual flourishing and perseverance. It reminds them that despite earthly difficulties, their standing and hope are in divine favor.
• "Amen." The final word provides a conclusive and emphatic seal. It conveys certainty and a fervent desire that the preceding prayer and blessing ("Grace be with you") would truly come to pass. It underscores Paul's conviction in God's power and faithfulness.

Colossians 4 18 Bonus section

Paul’s handwritten final greetings, though brief, were more than a mere signature; they were a significant act in ancient communication. They acted as an anti-forgery device in a time when written documents were not always secure. This ensured that the profound theological truths and practical applications articulated throughout Colossians were undeniably from the apostle Paul himself, granting the letter the full weight of his apostolic authority. His reference to "chains" would have resonated deeply with an audience familiar with the Roman legal system and the hardships of imprisonment. It reinforced Paul's unique apostolic journey and status as an envoy for Christ (as seen in Eph 6:20), portraying his incarceration not as a sign of weakness, but as an opportunity for the gospel to advance even within the very heart of the empire. This transforms the common understanding of misfortune into a witness of God's prevailing power.

Colossians 4 18 Commentary

Colossians 4:18 serves as Paul's personal and profound conclusion, authenticating his apostolic letter with his own hand. This autograph was vital to counter false teachings and forged letters prevalent in the early church. His command to "Remember my chains" is not a plea for sympathy, but a powerful call to solidarity. His suffering was for the very Gospel he proclaimed, a testimony to his commitment and an encouragement for the Colossians to persevere in their own trials, reminding them of the cost of true discipleship and inspiring their prayers for him. The concluding "Grace be with you" underscores Paul's enduring focus on God's unmerited favor as the source of all Christian life, growth, and hope. It’s a comprehensive blessing, invoking the divine enabling and loving-kindness necessary for their faith. The final "Amen" affirms his heartfelt sincerity and strong desire for the blessing to manifest. In essence, the verse marries apostolic authenticity with a shared understanding of suffering for Christ and the pervasive, life-sustaining power of divine grace.

• Practical example: Just as Paul's chains were a reminder of the reality of suffering for faith, a modern Christian might remember stories of persecuted believers worldwide, inspiring deeper prayer and dedication to Christ, realizing that suffering for faith is part of the calling, all empowered by God's grace.