Daily Bible Reading 7th August 2025 // Colossians 4:2-6

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom towards outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

This spiritual and gospel priority which is apparent in Paul (noted over the last few readings) is made clear in the final set of injunctions he urges on the Colossian Christians (vv 26). The apostle turns, in these brief verses, to address the believer's responsibility for those outside the kingdom; and in marked contrast to those who seek to precipitate social revolution as the means of salvation and as the means of influence on the non-Christian world, Paul urges steadfast intercession and personal witness. His overwhelming concern is that the truth of the gospel might be made known to the lost. The Christian's responsibility for the unbeliever, Paul asserts, is to intercede steadfastly for the preaching of the gospel, to live wisely and to speak graciously for the Saviour as opportunity presents itself. Dick Lucas conveys the balance and thrust of this section, very helpfully, when he makes the following division. In a most memorable way, he entitles the two sections:

1. vv 2-4 Speaking to God about people (Prayer)

2. vv 5-6 Speaking to people about God (Mission)

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