Colossians 4:4

That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Colossians 4:4 (KJV)

Context

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church at Colossae while in prison. This verse belongs to his closing remarks, where he asks for prayer that God would open a door for the word. In the preceding verse, Paul requests the Colossians’ prayers for an open door to speak the mystery of Christ, for which he is in bonds.

Meaning

“That I may make it manifest” expresses Paul’s desire to make something clear and evident. The exact nature of what he wishes to make manifest is not stated in the verse itself, but the surrounding passage reveals his aim to proclaim the mystery of Christ. This mystery was hidden in God from eternity and, during the old dispensation, was wrapped up in types, shadows, and sacrifices. It remains hidden to the natural man. Paul desired to make this mystery manifest in a ministerial way, acknowledging that only God, by His Spirit, makes it manifest in a spiritual and saving way.

“As I ought to speak” indicates the manner of his proclamation. He sought to deliver the gospel with clearness and evidence, using plainness of speech that befits the gospel. This means avoiding ambiguous expressions, equivocal phrases, or words with double meanings to hide things from men. Instead, he aimed to commend himself to every man’s conscience in the sight of God by manifestation of the truth. He also desired to speak faithfully, declaring the whole counsel of God and keeping back nothing that would be profitable to the churches, and with constancy, certainty, boldness, and intrepidity of soul.

Biblical connections

This verse is closely connected to the following instruction in Colossians 4:6, which emphasizes that speech should always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that believers may know how to answer every man. This connection highlights the importance of both clarity and grace in Christian communication.

Application

Colossians 4:4 reminds believers of the significance of clear communication in sharing the gospel. We are called to articulate the message of Christ with wisdom, compassion, and accuracy, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide our speech so that it reflects the truth and love of Christ.

Following Paul’s example, we should pray for ourselves and others that God would provide occasions to speak about Christ, that doors of opportunity would be opened, and that we might be faithful witnesses. Paul’s request expresses the necessity of prayer for gospel proclamation and the dependence on God to open doors for the word.

Reflection

This verse emphasizes the importance of clear, faithful communication of the gospel and the responsibility to speak as God intends. It encourages believers to seek divine wisdom, to pray for open doors, and to proclaim the mystery of Christ with boldness and accuracy.