COL 4:15-18

Signature and Final Instructions

15Greet the brothers in Laodicea, and also Nympha and the assembly in her house. [4:16] And when the letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that the one from Laodicea you yourselves also read. [4:17] And say to Archippus: "Take heed to the service that you received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." [4:18] The greeting by my own hand — Paul's. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written to the Colossians from Rome through Tychicus and Onesimus.

In the world it was spoken into

In the first-century Roman world, letters like this were often read aloud in gatherings of believers, functioning as communal communication rather than private correspondence. The mention of Nympha and her household church reflects the common practice of early Christian assemblies meeting in private homes, which were central hubs for worship and fellowship. The instruction to exchange letters with the Laodicean church underscores the interconnectedness of early Christian communities, who relied on such exchanges to maintain unity and shared teaching. Archippus’s charge to fulfill his ministry highlights the expectation that all believers, regardless of status, were to serve diligently in their roles. Paul’s handwritten greeting and reminder of his chains would have carried significant weight, emphasizing his authority and the cost of his commitment to the gospel. The final benediction, invoking grace, was a typical closing in early Christian letters, affirming divine favor and communal solidarity.

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How other translations render this

COL 4:15

KJV: Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
BSB: Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house.
Koinōnos: Greet the brothers in Laodicea, and also Nympha and the assembly in her house.

COL 4:16

KJV: And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
BSB: After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
Koinōnos: And when the letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that the one from Laodicea you yourselves also read.

COL 4:17

KJV: And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
BSB: Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
Koinōnos: And say to Archippus: "Take heed to the service that you received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.

COL 4:18

KJV: The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
BSB: This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Koinōnos: The greeting by my own hand — Paul's. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written to the Colossians from Rome through Tychicus and Onesimus.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

COL 4:15

brothers:The word translated 'brothers' here was a common term of endearment and solidarity among members of a community, not strictly limited to biological siblings.
church.:The term translated 'church' referred to a called-out assembly or gathering of citizens, not necessarily a building or a formal religious institution as we might think of it today.

COL 4:17

ministry:The word translated 'ministry' carried the sense of humble service or waiting on tables, emphasizing practical, often menial, acts of service rather than a position of authority.

COL 4:18

chains.:The word translated 'chains' specifically referred to bonds or fetters used to restrain prisoners, highlighting the physical confinement and suffering of the author.