Colossians 4 3

Colossians 4:3 kjv

Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

Colossians 4:3 nkjv

meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,

Colossians 4:3 niv

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

Colossians 4:3 esv

At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison ?

Colossians 4:3 nlt

Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains.

Colossians 4 verses

Colossians 4 3 Meaning

Colossians 4:3 is an apostolic appeal from Paul to the church in Colossae, urging them to intercede on behalf of him and his fellow ministers. His primary request is for God to divinely open "a door for the word"—a clear and effective opportunity to proclaim the Gospel message. This message is specifically identified as "the mystery of Christ," a truth previously concealed but now revealed in Christ, and for which Paul himself is currently enduring imprisonment. The verse highlights the divine source of missionary opportunities, the essential content of the evangelistic message, and the cost associated with its proclamation.

Colossians 4 3 Context

Colossians chapter 4 opens with a continuation of ethical instructions (v. 1), followed by a focused exhortation to devoted prayer (v. 2). Verse 3 then immediately provides a specific object of that prayer: Paul and his ministry. He requests intercession not for personal comfort or release from his chains, but for opportunities to effectively preach the Gospel. This request flows directly into broader instructions regarding wise conduct and gracious speech towards outsiders (v. 5-6), highlighting the intertwined nature of prayer, proclamation, and daily conduct in Christian witness. Historically, Paul was likely under house arrest in Rome (circa AD 60-62) when writing this epistle, yet his mind was entirely fixed on the advance of Christ's kingdom through the faithful declaration of "the word," even from within his literal imprisonment. His chains, rather than hindering, served to amplify the message, as seen throughout Philippians.

Colossians 4 3 Word analysis

• Meanwhile (ἅμα - hama): This Greek particle means "at the same time" or "simultaneously." It connects this specific prayer request with the general exhortation to prayer in Colossians 4:2, indicating that the Colossian believers should integrate prayer for Gospel opportunities alongside their other prayers. It highlights a continuing, simultaneous action.
• pray (προσευχόμενοι - proseuchomenoi): A present participle, indicating a continuous, habitual practice of prayer. It is not a casual wish but a sustained spiritual engagement. This implies diligence and persistence in intercession for specific needs related to ministry.
• also for us (καὶ περὶ ἡμῶν - kai peri hēmon): The "also" emphasizes inclusion. Just as they pray generally and for outsiders (implied from the preceding verses and subsequent exhortations), they are specifically asked to pray for Paul and his co-laborers (like Timothy and Tychicus). This demonstrates Paul's humility and reliance on corporate intercession for effective ministry.
• that God (ὁ θεός - ho theos): The specific agent for opening doors. This highlights divine sovereignty in evangelism; true opportunities for the Gospel are God-given, not merely humanly engineered. Ministry fruitfulness ultimately depends on God's work.
• may open (ἀνοίξῃ - anoixē): A subjunctive verb, expressing a desire or purpose, indicating Paul's active anticipation of God's action. The verb denotes actual, divinely-initiated access.
• to us (ἡμῖν - hēmin): Emphasizes that these open doors are specifically for Paul and his apostolic team. They are the instruments through whom the Word will go forth.
• a door (θύραν - thyran): A common biblical metaphor for a providential opportunity for ministry or evangelism. It implies effective access to proclaim the Gospel and gain a hearing. It suggests a receptive audience or a unique pathway for the message to be conveyed.
• for the word (τοῦ λόγου - tou logou): The "door" is not for personal freedom or ease, but specifically for the message—the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This "Word" is the divine revelation concerning salvation and the person of Christ. Paul's priorities are squarely on the advancement of the divine message.
• to declare (λαλῆσαι - lalēsai): An infinitive of purpose, specifying why the door is needed: for proclamation, speaking, or articulation of the message. It means to speak clearly and verbally.
• the mystery (τὸ μυστήριον - to mystērion): In biblical context, a "mystery" is not something incomprehensible or obscure, but a truth previously hidden by God and now divinely revealed through the Gospel and apostles. It is not esoteric knowledge but salvific revelation.
• of Christ (τοῦ Χριστοῦ - tou Christou): Identifies the specific content and person of the mystery. This mystery primarily involves Christ himself—His person, His work (death, resurrection, ascension), and His implications for humanity (especially the inclusion of Gentiles alongside Jews in one body).
• for which (δι᾽ ὅ - di᾽ ho): A causal connective phrase. It directly links Paul's imprisonment to his mission of declaring the "mystery of Christ." His suffering is not random but a consequence of his faithful ministry.
• I am in chains (δέδεμαι - dedemai): A perfect passive participle, literally meaning "I stand bound" or "I am in a bound state." It conveys his present, continuous condition of being imprisoned. This highlights Paul's physical limitation but also underscores his dedication to the Gospel, for which he gladly endured hardship.

Words-group analysis:

• "pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word": This phrase encapsulates the core request. It reveals Paul's reliance on divine enablement, his communal mindset (prayer for us), and his ministry-focused priority (a door for the word). It emphasizes that true Gospel progress depends on God's initiative, in response to the church's fervent intercession. The "door" signifies more than physical access; it points to a receptivity in hearts, a divine alignment of circumstances.
• "to declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains": This explains what Paul desires to preach and why he faces suffering. The mystery of Christ refers primarily to the revealed truth of the Gospel, especially the inclusion of Gentiles into the Church as full co-heirs with Jewish believers (cf. Eph 3). Paul's imprisonment is presented not as a hindrance but as a direct consequence of his obedience to this particular divine revelation, serving as proof of his earnestness and the powerful impact of the message.

Colossians 4 3 Bonus section

• Paul's example in Colossians 4:3 is profoundly counter-cultural. Instead of praying out of his affliction, he prays through his affliction for the furtherance of the very cause that led to his imprisonment. His primary concern is always the expansion and clarity of the Gospel.
• The "mystery of Christ" is central to Paul's theology. It often refers to God's pre-ordained plan of salvation now fully revealed, encompassing both the person and work of Christ, and the consequent radical inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community through faith, effectively uniting all in one body in Christ.
• This verse emphasizes the divine enablement required for effective evangelism. It’s not simply about having a message; it’s about God supernaturally providing the opportunity and paving the way for it to be received. This does not negate human responsibility but undergirds it with divine power.
• The concept of an "open door" for the Word appears repeatedly in Paul's writings (1 Cor 16:9, 2 Cor 2:12, Acts 14:27), signifying a consistent prayer priority and a key element of his missionary strategy and success.
• The connection between suffering and Gospel proclamation is a recurring theme for Paul. His chains authenticate his message and provide a platform for his testimony.

Colossians 4 3 Commentary

Colossians 4:3 reveals the heart of an apostle fully dedicated to the Gospel, even while imprisoned. Paul’s appeal for prayer is not for personal comfort or release from chains, but for greater evangelistic opportunities. He recognizes that while human effort is necessary, divine intervention is paramount for the "word" to find an "open door." This "door" represents not merely physical access but providential openings, receptive hearts, and effective utterance, enabling the unhindered proclamation of "the mystery of Christ." This mystery, the core of the Gospel, refers to God's previously hidden plan, now revealed in Jesus Christ, particularly the inclusion of Gentiles and Jews into one body through Him. Paul's "chains" are not a sign of defeat but a direct badge of honor, affirming his unwavering commitment to this mystery. The verse serves as a timeless call for believers to actively intercede for those who proclaim the Gospel, asking God for divine enablement and fruitful opportunities.

• Example: When facing resistance in sharing the Gospel, a believer can pray specifically for a "door" to open – whether it be for the right person to cross their path, for the hearer's heart to be receptive, or for courage and clarity in their own speech.
• Example: A missionary team, experiencing obstacles in a restricted country, might pray for a "door for the word" to materialize through unexpected contacts or shifting political landscapes, enabling their message to reach new communities.