The Apostle’s Autograph Conclusion (Colossians 4:18)

Col. 4:18. The greeting is by my own hand, Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you all. Amen.

“I write this greeting with my own hand”—a customary subscription that Saint Paul used to prevent attempts to compose forged Epistles under his name. For all that, it could have special significance for the Colossians of some particular affection of Saint Paul toward them. “This is a sign of special closeness and sincere fellowship. Seeing his handwriting, they felt the breath of special affection of Saint Paul toward them and themselves became especially disposed to him and to what is written in the Epistle” (paraphrase of Saint Chrysostom).

“Remember my chains.” He does not feel shame about his bonds. They are his adornment and the triumph of truth. Remember, he says, my chains and inspire yourselves with courage to stand for truth in the same way. “This was enough to make them ready for all and inspire them to great deeds” (Saint Chrysostom). “To know that the Apostle is in bonds and to remember this constantly was very stirring for the Colossians to bear all temptations for truth and brought them very close to the Apostle” (Photius via Oecumenius).

“Grace be with you.” The Apostle is in bonds, but grace is not bound; rather it flows still more abundantly through the bonds. “He sends them grace by which they could fulfill all that is commanded in the Epistle. Both for salvation and for accomplishing all that brings salvation, grace is necessary: for without grace what can man do by himself?” (Photius via Oecumenius). He speaks as it were promising them: “when grace is present with you, whether you have sorrows or endure bonds, nothing such will overcome you” (blessed Theophylactus). “And it is also the work of grace to be bound and in chains for truth. Listen to how Luke says that the Apostles returned ‘from the council, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus’ (Acts 5:41). To receive bonds and dishonor for Christ, even this must be deemed worthy of” (Saint Chrysostom).

“And we also must always remember these bonds, and from this remembrance gain profit, and pray that we may not fall into temptation; and if this comes upon us, to love God’s economy, and to show our own courage, and to call upon the help of God’s grace. For in this way it will be possible both to struggle and to win and to be deemed worthy of praise in Christ. With Him be glory and majesty to the Father with the All-Holy Spirit, now and always and to ages of ages! Amen” (blessed Theodoret).