After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea…. I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. (Colossians 4:16,18)
As the book of Colossians ends, we get a window into how the Bible was formed. Colossians was originally written to Christians in the ancient city of Colossae in Asia. How do we know that the words of Colossians are meant for you and me today? Because it says so! After the letter to the Colossians was read to them, they were to share it with other churches and other Christians. The words of Colossians are true guidance from God for all Christians at all times and in all places.
God’s Word was for them. God’s Word is for you. You can trust the Word!
At the same time, we can admit that we don’t know everything. Paul instructed the Colossians to read “the letter from Laodicea.” We aren’t exactly sure what that letter was. Many Bible scholars believe that it’s the book of Ephesians. Like Colossians, Ephesians was to be shared with Christians in other places. It’s also possible that this letter from Laodicea was a Christian writing that we don’t have today. While we don’t know everything, we trust that God has preserved for us exactly the Bible he wants us to have.
One of the ways that Paul made sure of that was by writing the final verse in his own hand. The rest of the letter was probably written down by a scribe with good handwriting. Paul ended the book, however, with his own handwriting, so that the Colossians could be certain this letter came from Paul himself. When it comes to God’s Word, God doesn’t want us to doubt. He wants us to trust the Word!
Even when it leads to hardship. Colossians ends with two powerful phrases: “Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” What had being a faithful preacher of God’s Word resulted in for Paul? Chains. Prison. Yet, were those chains worth it? Of course! It was a blessing to suffer for Jesus. How did Paul have the strength to face that trial? By God’s grace. That’s true for you and me too. May God’s grace leads us to trust the Word, even when it results in chains.
Dear Lord God, thank you for having your Word written down for us. By your grace, lead us to trust your Word, even when it leads to chains or death. May your Word be believed and shared. Amen.
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