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2–6 Be giving constant attention to prayer, constantly vigilant in it with thanksgiving, praying at the same time also for us, that God would open for us a door for the Word, that we may speak the mystery of the Christ, because of which [mystery] also I have been bound, in order that I may make it plain as it is necessary in the nature of the case for me to speak. In wisdom be ordering your behavior towards those on the outside, buying up for yourselves the strategic, opportune time. Your word, let it always be with graciousness, with salt thoroughly seasoned, to the end that you know how it is necessary in the nature of the case to answer everyone.
2. Continue—Greek, “Continue perseveringly,” “persevere” (Eph 6:18), “watching thereunto”; here, “watch in the same,” or “in it,” that is, in prayer: watching against the indolence as to prayer, and in prayer, of our corrupt wills.
with thanksgiving—for everything, whether joyful, or sorrowful, mercies temporal and spiritual, national, family, and individual (1 Co 14:17; Php 4:6; 1 Th 5:18).
3. for us—myself and Timothy (Col 1:1).
a door of utterance—Translate, “a door for the word.” Not as in Eph 6:19, where power of “utterance” is his petition. Here it is an opportunity for preaching the word, which would be best afforded by his release from prison (1 Co 16:9; 2 Co 2:12; Phm 1:22; Rev 3:8).
to speak—so that we may speak.
the mystery of Christ—(Col 1:27).
for which … also—on account of which I am (not only “an ambassador,” Eph 6:20, but) also in bonds.
4. Alford thinks that Paul asks their prayers for his release as if it were the “only” way by which he could “make it (the Gospel) manifest” as he ought. But while this is included in their subject of prayer, Php 1:12, 13, written somewhat later in his imprisonment, clearly shows that “a door for the word” could be opened, and was opened, for its manifestation, even while he remained imprisoned (compare 2 Ti 2:9).
in wisdom—practical Christian prudence.
them … without—Those not in the Christian brotherhood (1 Co 5:12; 1 Th 4:12). The brethren, through love, will make allowances for an indiscreet act or word of a brother; the world will make none. Therefore be the more on your guard in your intercourse with the latter, lest you be a stumbling-block to their conversion.
redeeming the time—The Greek expresses, buying up for yourselves, and buying off from worldly vanities the opportunity, whenever it is afforded you, of good to yourselves and others. “Forestall the opportunity, that is, to buy up an article out of the market, so as to make the largest profit from it” [Conybeare and Howson].
6. with grace—Greek, “in grace” as its element (Col 3:16; Eph 4:29). Contrast the case of those “of the world” who “therefore speak of the world” (1 Jn 4:5). Even the smallest leaf of the believer should be full of the sap of the Holy Spirit (Je 17:7, 8). His conversation should be cheerful without levity, serious without gloom. Compare Lu 4:22; Jn 7:46, as to Jesus’ speech.
seasoned with salt—that is, the savor of fresh and lively spiritual wisdom and earnestness, excluding all “corrupt communication,” and also tasteless insipidity (Mt 5:13; Mk 9:50; Eph 4:29). Compare all the sacrifices seasoned with salt (Le 2:13). Not far from Colosse, in Phrygia, there was a salt lake, which gives to the image here the more appropriateness.
how ye ought to answer every man—(1 Pe 3:15).
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