F. Closing Salutation (4:18)

Colossians appears to have been dictated by the apostle to an amanuensis (secretary). For the final line, however, Paul takes the pen to verify the authenticity of the letter and to give it a personal touch. He pens both a petition and a blessing. The petition is, “Remember my chains,” a reminder of Paul’s present circumstances as a prisoner (see 4:3, 10; 1:24). The blessing is a simple benediction that points the readers to God’s grace. Paul wishes them well and prays that God’s blessing may be with them. In this way, he signs off the letter in his own handwriting.

A remarkable letter it has been: brief but potent. Even today we sense Paul’s concern for those who read it. The epistle calls us to consider the person and work of Christ and his authority within the church. It juxtaposes our servanthood and his sovereignty, two realities that are central in the life of every Christian believer.