Fathers

Colossians 4

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Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving, praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds, that I may reveal it as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here. Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, “if he comes to you, receive him”), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for God’s Kingdom who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I testify about him that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house. When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the letter from Laodicea. Tell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.” The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand: remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

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What the Fathers say

Colossians 4:18

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"The salutation of me, Paul, with mine own hand." This is a proof of their sincerity and affection; that they both looked at his handwriting, and that with emotion. "Remember my bonds." Wonderful! How great the consolation! For this is enough to cheer them on to all things, and make them bear themselves more nobly in their trials; but he made them not only the braver, but also the more nearly interested. "Grace be with you. Amen." "Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen." He hath released their terror. …

Homily on Colossians 12 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Remember me, who am in bonds and condemned. And the very best consolation for them is to remember Paul the prisoner in every affliction. When grace is present in you, whether you have afflictions or endure bonds, nothing of the sort will overcome you, since even being bound is a matter of grace. For Luke says: they returned from the prison, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Christ (cf. Acts 5:41). Do you see that to be dishonored means to be counted worthy? And indeed, this is a great dignity. …

Commentary on Colossians ↗

Ignatius of Antioch

Philo and Agathopus the deacons salute you. I salute the company of virgins, and the order of widows; of whom may I have joy! I salute the people of the Lord, from the least unto the greatest. I have sent you this letter through Euphanius the reader, a man honoured of God, and very faithful, happening to meet with him at Rhegium, just as he was going on board ship. Remember my bonds that I may be made perfect in Christ. …

Epistle of Pseudo-Ignatius to the Philippians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. It was the Apostle's practice to have someone else write the entire letter, and at the end of it he would write something in his own hand, as in 2 Thessalonians (3:17): "I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand." He does the same here, so that they will not be deceived. …

Commentary on Colossians ↗