Colossians 4:2-3 Continue in Prayer
Colossians 4:2-3 (KJV) Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 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:
Persevering even whilst in prison was the courageous spirit of the Apostle Paul as he wrote this epistle to the Colossians in the prison of Rome.
By an urgent plea by way of a command, he exhorted the church to persevere in prayer. Jesus Himself said in the parable of the importunate widow – Luke 18:1 (KJV) And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
The vitality of the Christian life and witness hinges upon the fellowship and communion with God is the reminder.
The word “continue” means “to be earnest towards, i.e. (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, to attend assiduously all the exercises, to adhere closely to (attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually)”.
Prayer as a request for help, made in the form of a petition, as a gathering of His people to supplicate.
“To watch” has a focus on the mental aspect, be awake, be alert, be on the watch.
The one who prays is on the alert watching and discerning the signs of the times. It is interesting that he adds “with thanksgiving”.
God Almighty is still on the throne, His power is endless and limitless. He creates, He sustains and He saves. The greatest of that power we see is raising Jesus from the dead! Because He is able, we can rest in Him in thanksgiving as He fulfils His goodwill for His glory in the lives of His creatures.
The Apostle Paul understood the signs of the times and the urgency of the gospel work. He requested concerted prayer – 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.
The prison was not a place of bondage for him but a place of gospel opportunity and it can only come when God would open unto us a door of utterance! For what purpose? To speak the mystery of Christ!
Amen.