Colossians 4:1-6 - Seasoned with salt

4:1

I don’t know why the chapter division was put where it was, for this verse clearly belongs with the previous section.Having advised slaves, masters are now addressed directly. They are reminded that they are answerable to God. We need to beware of thinking that because in earthly terms we are seemingly in a powerful position, all of us are ultimately answerable to God. So masters were to treat their slaves properly. 

4:2-4

We now get more general instructions. We are to “devote ourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful”. I.e. we are to actively and determinedly devote ourselves to prayer, we are to be intentional. We are to be watchful, being aware of what is going on, we are also to be thankful, knowing that God hears us. Paul then asks for  prayer for himself and his co-workers, to pray that the gospel message will be spread and will prosper. One might think that such a great evangelist as Paul didn’t need any such help, but such a view would be mistaken. He wanted help so that he might proclaim the message clearly.

4:5,6

Having asked for prayer for himself and his co-workers he gives more general instruction. They were to be “wise in the way they acted towards outsiders, making  the most of every opportunity.” We are to use our brains.Our conversation is to be full of grace. We are not to bash people over the head, but to preach the gospel of grace. Our talk is to be “seasoned with salt”. So, in a sense, we are to be “winsome”, again we are to use common sense in how we interact with people.