Colossians 4:16 – “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.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul gives instructions about the public reading and sharing of his letters. He tells the Colossians to:

1. Read the letter publicly. Paul expected his letters to be read aloud in church gatherings, ensuring that all believers-both educated and uneducated-could hear and understand his teachings.

2. Share the letter with the Laodiceans. Paul wanted the truths in this letter to be shared beyond just Colossae. The churches in nearby cities were connected, and they needed to learn from each other.

3. Read the letter from Laodicea. This is a letter that we no longer have today. Some scholars believe it might have been a lost letter or possibly the letter to the Ephesians, which may have circulated among multiple churches.

Paul’s instructions show that his letters were not just for one church but for the whole body of Christ. His teachings were meant to be shared, studied, and passed on to strengthen the faith of all believers.

Historical Context

In the first century, churches did not have printed Bibles like we do today. The New Testament was still being written, and most people couldn’t read. Instead, letters from church leaders (like Paul) were:

• Read aloud during church gatherings.
• Copied by hand and sent to other churches.
• Passed from city to city so that multiple churches could benefit from them.

Colossae and Laodicea were close to each other in what is now modern Turkey. They likely faced similar challenges-false teachings, pressures from the Roman culture, and the need to grow in faith. By sharing Paul’s letters, they could learn from each other and stay united in truth.

Theological Implications

1. God’s Word is meant to be shared. Paul expected his letters to be read, passed on, and studied by multiple churches. This shows that God’s truth is for all believers, not just for certain individuals or groups.

2. Scripture is authoritative and valuable. Even while Paul was alive, his letters were treated with great respect and authority. This reflects how the early church recognized his writings as inspired by God.

3. Christians should learn from one another. Paul wanted churches to read and learn from each other’s letters, emphasizing that faith is a shared journey. No church exists in isolation-believers grow by studying God’s Word together.

4. Scripture must be read publicly and taught clearly. Since most people couldn’t read, the public reading of Scripture was essential. Even today, churches must prioritize clear, faithful teaching of God’s Word.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording emphasizes:

• “After this letter has been read to you” – Paul assumes that his letter will be read publicly, not just privately.
• “See that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans” – This highlights the interconnected nature of early churches. They weren’t independent-they shared teachings.
• “And that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea“ – This shows that Paul wrote multiple letters, many of which were shared among churches.

Paul’s instruction for letter-sharing set the foundation for how the New Testament was preserved, copied, and passed down to future generations.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Thessalonians 5:27 – “I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.” (Paul expected his letters to be read publicly.)
• Revelation 3:14-22 – Jesus’ warning to the Laodicean church, showing they struggled spiritually later on.
• 2 Peter 3:15-16 – Peter refers to Paul’s letters as Scripture, showing their importance.
• Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (The early church focused on learning God’s Word together.)
• Deuteronomy 31:11 – “When all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God… you shall read this law before them in their hearing.” (Public reading of Scripture was a long-standing biblical practice.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. God’s Word is for everyone. Just as Paul wanted his letters shared, the Bible is meant to be read, studied, and shared by all believers today.

2. Scripture must be central in church life. Paul’s letters were treated as authoritative and essential for spiritual growth. Churches today should prioritize reading and teaching Scripture clearly.

3. Believers should study the whole Bible, not just their favorite parts. Paul encouraged the Colossians to read another letter, showing that God’s Word must be understood in its full context.

4. Christians should learn from other churches and believers. No church or individual has all the wisdom–we grow by learning from others and staying connected in faith.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in how He preserved His Word for His people. Paul’s letters were not just for a small group in one city-God intended them to be passed down, studied, and treasured by believers throughout history.

This verse also reflects God’s desire for His people to be united in truth. He does not want believers to struggle alone in faith–He gives His Word to guide, correct, and strengthen them.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s Word.
   • John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God’s truth.)
2. Jesus commanded His followers to spread His teachings.
   • Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Like Paul’s letters, Jesus’ words were meant to be shared with all believers.)
3. Jesus emphasized the importance of Scripture.
   • Luke 24:27 – “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Jesus taught the full picture of God’s Word, just as Paul wanted his letters to be read widely.)

Paul’s desire to spread Scripture reflects Jesus’ mission to spread God’s truth to all people.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How can you make Bible reading and study a bigger priority in your life?
2. Do you tend to focus only on certain parts of the Bible? How can you develop a well-rounded understanding of Scripture?
3. What role does public reading and teaching of Scripture play in your church?
4. How can you share God’s Word with others, just as Paul instructed the Colossians to do?
5. What does this verse teach about the importance of unity among churches and believers?

This verse reminds us that God’s Word is meant to be shared, studied, and passed down. Just as Paul encouraged the early church to read and circulate his letters, believers today are called to treasure, study, and spread God’s Word faithfully.