Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

COLOSSIANS 4:3KJV
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Colossians 4:3 (KJV)

What does Colossians 4:3 mean?

Colossians 4:3 describes Paul asking the believers to pray for him and his companions, specifically that God would give them opportunities ("a door of utterance") to share the message about Christ, even though Paul is currently imprisoned because of this message. Paul’s main concern is not his own comfort, but that he can continue to speak about the mystery of Christ.

Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Colossae while he is in prison. He asks for their prayers, not for his release, but for God to provide chances to speak about Christ’s message, which he calls a "mystery"—something once hidden but now revealed. The focus is on spreading the gospel, even in difficult circumstances.

The Greek behind Colossians 4:3

  • "Door" (θύρα, thýra): This word often means a literal door, but here it is used figuratively for an opportunity or opening. Paul is asking for God to create opportunities for him to speak.
  • "Utterance" (λόγος, lógos): This word means "word" or "message." Paul is not just asking for a chance to talk, but specifically to share the message about Christ.
  • "Mystery" (μυστήριον, mystērion): In Paul’s letters, this word refers to something God has revealed—here, the good news about Christ that was once hidden but is now made known.
  • "Bonds" (δέω, deō): This word means "to bind" or "to tie." Paul mentions being in "bonds" to remind the readers that he is imprisoned because of his commitment to sharing Christ.

Why Colossians 4:3 matters

  • Colossians 4:3 shows that Paul’s main concern is the spread of the gospel, not his own situation, which can challenge assumptions about what to pray for in hard times.
  • The verse highlights the idea that sharing the message of Christ is not always easy or safe; Paul is in prison because of it, yet he still seeks more opportunities to speak.
  • By calling the message of Christ a "mystery," Paul connects this verse to a larger theme in his letters: the gospel is something God has revealed to all people, not just a select few.