Bible Strands
Colossians 4:3
as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes from prison to the Colossian church, asking them to include him in the prayer life he has just commanded (v.2). He identifies his chains as the direct cost of proclaiming the mystery of Christ.
The words — ἅμα (hama) means "at the same time," binding this request to the preceding command rather than setting it apart as an add-on. The prayer for Paul is not a separate act but part of the same posture of watchfulness and thankfulness.
The thread — Ephesians 6:19 repeats the "mystery of Christ" language with a prayer for bold speech, and 2 Thessalonians 3:1 asks that the word of the Lord spread and be honored. Acts 14:27 records God opening a door of faith, the same image Paul invokes here.
Why it lands — The request is concrete: pray for an opened door and for clear, well-articulated speech, not for vague blessing. It treats the reader's prayer as a working instrument in Paul's ministry, not a sentimental gesture.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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:
Cross-references
- Ephesians 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,
- Acts 14:27 When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you.
- Philippians 1:13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 4:1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
- 2 Corinthians 2:12 Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and a door stood open for me in the Lord,
- Colossians 1:26 the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints.
- 1 Corinthians 16:9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.
- Philippians 1:7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.
- Colossians 2:2 that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ,