Section 4:2–6

Paul asked the Colossians to pray for him, and told them how to speak to unbelievers

In 3:18–4:1 Paul had given instructions to different groups of believers (wives, husbands, children, parents, slaves, and masters). Here in 4:2 Paul began to speak again to all the Colossian believers. He told them to continue praying, especially for him, and to speak wisely and kindly to those who did not believe in Christ.

Paragraph 4:2–4

Theme: Paul told the Colossians to continue praying to God, and he asked them to pray for him (Paul) while they were praying.

4:2a

Devote yourselves to prayer: The Greek verb proskartereō that the Berean Standard Bible has translated Devote yourselves to can also mean, “to persist in doing something.” For example:

Be persistent in prayer (Good News Translation)

The meaning of both translations is similar. Paul was instructing the Colossians to continue to pray faithfully, no matter what happened.

4:2b

being watchful and thankful: The Greek literally says “being watchful in it in thanksgiving.” The words “in it” refer back to “prayer” in 4:2a. So Paul meant, “When you pray, be watchful and thankful.”

being watchful: It means “staying alert, and not becoming tired of praying.”

thankful: It may be necessary in your translation to say “thankful to God.”

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