Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024

Scripture: Col. 4:18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Teaching: Paul ends his letter to the Colossians with a simple statement, that he wrote this ending by his own hand, for the Colossians to remember his chains, and he prays grace to the Colossians.

It is noteworthy, first, that he wrote this end to the letter by hand because most of his letters were dictated. Secondly, he simply tells the Colossians to remember his chains. There is great importance to this call, as it is not a plea for pity but a call to commitment. Paul is writing this letter while imprisoned, and likely, with great difficulty if his hands were bound as many prisoners of the day were. But his chains are a reminder of what his whole letter has urged! They are a reminder of his commitment to the gospel and rejoicing in Christ rather than despairing in his earthly circumstance. Paul rejoices in his suffering (1:24) and his example is one for the Colossians, and all of us, to remember. Following Christ does not mean earthly victory; most often, it is the opposite. However, in Christ is eternal life, eternal treasure, and the true fulfillment we seek in life.

Takeaway: Paul’s chains are to be remembered because they reveal what the world can and will do at times to those who profess Christ. But even more, they are a reminder of what trusting in Christ looks like. If one does not place their trust in Christ alone, imprisonment is a death sentence. It prevents one from living a full life here and now, and if that is all there is, then death is preferable to life without earthly gain. But as Paul shows, living life here and now is for Christ. As Paul said in 3:1-4, “If you then have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” As you think on Paul’s letter to the Colossians, remember his chains. Trust in Christ alone, put on the new self, and rejoice in life in Christ.