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All of you continue to conduct yourselves with wisdom toward those outside,1 and make the most of this present season.2
| 1 | Conduct yourselves with wisdom: That is, “walk a wise path.” Or, KJV: walk in wisdom; TCN: show tact in your behaviour; MOF: let Christian wisdom rule your behaviour; TAY: be wise in your contacts with; BAR: those outside the church. Christians did not view all as their “brothers.” Jesus also considered others as “outside.” [Matthew 8:12; 22:13] Jesus gave a similar caution to his disciples. [Matthew 10:16] Compare 1 Thessalonians 4:12. The New Person in Christ, as a mild and guileless disciple, can be taken advantage of by those with different standards. Paul is writing form prison so he knows a bit about this subject. Life would become more and more dangerous for Christians and not all persons could be trusted. It should be noted that those who were not members of the Church were considered “outsiders.” [1 Corinthians 5:12, 13; 1 Thessalonians 4:12; 1 Timothy 3:7] |
| 2 | Present season: Or, KJV: redeeming the time; TCN: making the most of every opportunity; MOF: make the most of your time; BER: using your time to the best possible advantage; TAY: make the most of your chances to tell others the good news; BAR: seize every opportunity. The context of the use of time is in the same breath with the New Person’s conduct among worldly persons on the outside. There may be two factors here: a] much time can be consumed in the world and Paul counsels its wise use; b] using time in worldly contacts to find opportunities to share the good news. Every person has about 720 hours a month. How a New Person in Christ uses this time will be a matter of uncontrollable circumstances and the depth of Christian conviction. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
Paul exhorts the Colossians to “persevere in prayer.” [2-4] These prayers ought to include praying for doors to open to “speak the mystery of the Christ.” However, prayers must be accompanied by a wise Christian lifestyle. [5, 6] Such a Christian’s speech will be gracious when speaking in defense of the Faith.
Paul concludes his epistle with news of other fellow Christian workers. [10-13] He also relates various greetings from some of his associates. He instructs that this epistle be read before the congregation, and then also another letter written to another congregation.
Abba bless those who walk wisely in their Christian lives.
[14 July 2002]
