Verse 1

should remember that they also have a Master to whom they must reckon, and from whom they must expect the same justice they measure out to others.

Verse 3

A door of speech; i.e. of free speech to preach the gospel. (Witham)

Verse 5

Redeeming the time. This expression occurs also in the epistle to the Ephesians, and seems to insinuate to the faithful to be on their guard not to irritate the Gentiles, nor to provoke them to persecution. Remember, says he, the times are bad; conduct yourselves with prudence; gain time, procure peace, and remain in silence. This was written towards the end of the reign of Nero, as cruel a prince as ever lived. (Calmet)

Verse 10

same as John and Mark mentioned in the Acts, xv. 37, 39.

Verse 12

Epaphras. He was apostle and bishop of the Colossians, as has been observed. It was he who engaged St. Paul to write to them, fearing lest they should give themselves up to the novelties of the false apostles, after having received the gospel from him in all its purity. (Calmet)

Verse 15

Verse 16

===============================

[BIBLIOGRAPHY]

That of the Laodiceans. Eam quæ Laodicensium est, Greek: ten ek Laodikeias. See St. John Chrysostom (Greek: log. ib. p. 152.) and P. Mauduit dissert. on this place, who endeavours to prove that St. Paul wrote to the Laodiceans.

====================

Verse 17

St. Paul here addresses to Archippus, gives us reason to presume that he was then bishop of the Colossians, having succeeded Epaphras, who was then prisoner at Rome with St. Paul. (Bible de Vence)