Rome Holds Chains: The Word Holds Freedom

In the Field Audio Bible: 04:19
The morning light is different today. You sense it the moment you step through the doorway of Paul's rented quarters in Rome. Perhaps it's the way the pale Roman sun slants through the narrow window, catching dust moats in its beam. Maybe it's the weight of the parchment, its scroll in your travel bag. Three chapters complete, read aloud multiple times, discussed phrase by phrase, word by word. Or perhaps it's simply the knowledge that today you will write the final words of this letter to the beloved church in Colossae. Paul is already awake. Of course he is. You have learned during your time here that the apostle rarely sleeps past dawn, even with the chain that binds him to the Roman guard beside him. This morning, it's Lucius on duty. A seasoned soldier with sharp eyes and a face that reveals nothing. The chain connecting Paul's right wrist to Lucius' left lies between them like a metallic serpent, each link catching the morning light. 

In the Field Audio Bible: 06:59
Come, Paul says, his voice warm with greeting. Sit, we have much to finish today. His face is deeply lined, weathered by years of travel, beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonments. Yet his eyes, those remarkable eyes, burn with an intensity that makes you forget his age, forget his chains, forget everything except the truth he carries like a flame in his chest. You settle onto the wooden stool opposite him, feeling its familiar hardness beneath you. The room is small, perhaps 12 feet by 12 feet, with whitewashed walls that have yellowed with age and smoke from the oil lamp. A narrow sleeping pallet lies rolled against one wall. A small table holds the tools of Paul's trade: parchment, ink pots, reed pens, a wax tablet for notes, and a well-worn scroll of the Septuagint. Its edges soft from countless readings. The final chapter, you say quietly, reaching for the scroll in your bag, you unroll it carefully, revealing the three chapters already written. The Greek ladders march across the parchment in neat rows, each word a treasure, each phrase a revelation. Paul nods, his weathered hand reaching out to touch the parchment. Yes, the final chapter. But tell me, what have you learned from the first three? What will you carry back to Colossae in your heart? 

In the Field Audio Bible: 08:52
You pause, considering. The smell of the room surrounds you, ink and parchment, yes, but also the scent of olive oil from the lamp, the faint mustiness of old stone and something else. Something you have come to recognize as the scent of prayer itself, as if the very air has been saturated with Paul's constant communion with God. Incense from a nearby pagan temple occasionally drifts through the window, a reminder that you are in the heart of the empire. That Christ is supreme over all, you answer finally. That in him all things hold together, that we have been raised with him and our life is hidden with Christ in God. Yes, Paul's face lights up with joy. Yes, exactly. And now, now we must speak of how this truth lives in the everyday moments. How does a believer whose life is hidden with Christ conduct themselves in the marketplace? How do they speak to other neighbors? How do they pray? Is that what this chapter will address? You ask, leaning forward. Paul reaches for a fresh sheet of parchment, his fingers stained with ink. Chapter Four, he says softly. The final words. He pauses, his eyes distant, and you know he is seeing them. The faces of the Colossian believers he has never met in person. Tell me about them, you say. Help me see who will hear these words. 

In the Field Audio Bible: 10:49
Paul's expression softens, becoming tender. Philemon and Apphia, they open their home for the church to gather. Arcupus, who serves faithfully, the house churches that meet after sunset, when the day's work is done, the new converts who have turned from the worship of Sibylle and the mystery religions to follow Christ. You never been to Colossae, you observe, yet you speak of them as if you know each face. I carry them here, Paul says, touching his chest. As surely as I carry this chain on my wrist, Epiphras, my dear fellow servant, planted the church there. He has told me of their faith, their struggles, their questions, and though I have never walked their streets or broken bread in their homes, I love them as a father loves his children. The pen scratches across the parchment. Outside Rome wakes up, cartwheels on cobblestones, vendors calling their wares, the tramp of soldiers' boots. But here in this small room, something eternal is taking place. You will send greetings as well, you ask. Paul looks up, his eyes warm. Of course, not empty formalities, but words that connect them to the larger body of Christ. They will hear the names of fellow workers Tychicus, who will carry this letter, Onisimus, who travels with him, and Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner. 

In the Field Audio Bible: 12:38
They need to know they're not alone, you say. Exactly, Paul affirms. They are part of something vast and beautiful, the Church of Jesus Christ, scattered across the empire, yet united in him. When they hear these names, they will remember that in every city, in every province, believers are gathering, praying, serving, suffering, rejoicing together. You lean forward, studying the words taking shape on the parchment. What do you want them to understand most from this final chapter? Paul sets down the pen and looks at you directly. That finishing well requires faithfulness. Anyone can begin with passion, anyone can start a race with enthusiasm, but to finish, to complete the work God has given you, that requires something more. What does it require? You ask, though you sense you already know the answer. Faithfulness in the small things, Paul says. Persistent prayer, wise conduct, gracious speech, and genuine relationships- this is how the gospel spreads, not primarily through spectacular miracles or powerful rhetoric, but through ordinary believers living extraordinary lives of faithfulness to Christ. When I return to Colossae, you say slowly, I will carry this letter, I will read it aloud to the church. Paul reaches out and grips your shoulder, his hand strong despite his age. But more than that, you will carry the spirit of this letter. You will embody what it means to live with Christ as your life. You will show them what it looks like to be raised with Christ, to seek the things above, to put on compassion and kindness and humility and patience. 

In the Field Audio Bible: 14:49
A living epistle, you murmur. Yes, Paul says, Written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God. That is what you will be. That is what every believer must be. The weight of his word settles on you like a mantle. This is not just about delivering a letter. This is about becoming the message, about living so fully in Christ that others see him in you. I'm ready, you say. Paul picks up the pen again. Then let's finish what we have started. Let us write these final words with the same care, the same prayer, the same dependence on the Spirit that has guided every word from the beginning. You lean forward, ready to discuss each phrase, to understand each instruction, to absorb the wisdom that flows from this man who has given everything for the gospel. The morning light grows stronger, filling the small room with golden warmth. The chain between Paul and Lucius catches the light, transforming from a symbol of bondage into something that almost seems to glow. Continue steadfastly in prayer. Paul writes aloud as the pen moves. Be watchful in it with thanksgiving, you add, remembering his earlier words. Paul nods, continuing to write. Yes, always thanksgiving. This is the posture of a believer, alert, persistent, grateful. The pen scratches on, the chain clinks softly, the guard watches, and in this unlikely setting, a prison that is not quite a prison, a letter that is more than a letter. The word of God goes forth unbound and unstoppable. 

In the Field Audio Bible: 16:60
You think of the journey ahead, the long road back to Colossae, the Lycus River Valley, the believers gathering to hear these words. You think of Philemon and Aphia opening their home. You think of the former priestess of Sibele and the wool merchant who once sacrificed to Zeus, now brothers and sisters in Christ. They will treasure these words you say. They will treasure Christ, Paul corrects gently. The words are only valuable because they point to him. Never forget that. The letter is not the treasure. Christ is the treasure. The letter simply helps them see more clearly, love him more deeply, follow him more faithfully. Paul looks at you, and in his eyes, you see both the weight of his calling and the joy of his salvation. Then let us begin. Let us hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 

In the Field Audio Bible: 18:05
Now let's take a moment to quiet our hearts and listen to the word itself. Let these words sink deep into your spirit, bringing comfort, conviction, and encouragement. Whether you're sitting in a quiet place or out in the world, allow scripture to meet you right where you are. I hope you have your favorite cup of tea or coffee. Sit back, relax, and let's step into the sacred text of The Epistle of Paul to the Colossians 4. 

In the Field Audio Bible: 18:60
The Epistle of Paul to the Colossians 4 (NRSV): 

 1 Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, for you know that you also have a master in heaven. 

 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. 

 3 At the same time, pray for us as well, that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, 

 4 so that I may reveal it clearly as I should. 

 5 Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. 

 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. 

 7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. 

 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts; 

 9 he is coming with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here. 

10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him. 

11 And Jesus who is called Justus, greets you. These are the only ones of the circumcision among my co-workers for the freedom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, greets you. He is always striving in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in everything that God wills. 

13 For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hieropolis. 

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. 

15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 

16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. 

17 And say to Archippus, "See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord." 

18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. 

In the Field Audio Bible: 22:07
The afternoon sun has shifted across the small room, casting long shadows against the whitewashed walls. You have been here for hours, reading through the entire letter to the Colossians, discussing each phrase, each instruction, each greeting. Your hand aches from holding the parchment, and your voice is hoarse from reading aloud. But something profound has happened in this small Roman room today. Something eternal has been captured in ink and parchment. Paul sets down the reed pen for the final time. His weathered hand trembles slightly, not from weakness, but from the weight of what has just been completed. The chain connecting his wrist to Lucius clinks softly as he reaches for the parchment, his eyes scanning the words one last time. It is finished, he says quietly. The entire letter to the Colossians is now complete. You look at him, surprised by his choice words, like the words Jesus spoke from the cross. Paul's eyes meet yours, and you see tears glistening there. Every letter I write is an extension of his finished work. He completed the work of salvation. I simply tell people about it. But yes, this letter is complete. Four chapters, from the supremacy of Christ to practical instructions for daily living. The Spirit has given us everything the Colossians need to hear. Lucius shifts his position, the leather of his armor creaking. Throughout the day, you have noticed him listening more intently, his stoic mask slipping occasionally to reveal something deeper. Curiosity, perhaps, or even hunger. Now he clears his throat. You write to people you have never met, Lucius says, his voice rough from hours of silence. How do you know what they need? 

In the Field Audio Bible: 24:23
Paul turns to look at the guard, and his expression is so full of compassion that even this hardened soldier seems moved. Because I know the human heart, Lucius. I know what it's like to be lost, to search for meaning in the wrong places, to think that rules and regulations can save you. And I know what it's like to meet Christ, to have everything change in a single moment of revelation. On the Damascus Road, you add, remembering the story Paul has told you. Yes, Paul nods. I was breathing threats and murder against the followers of Christ. I thought I was serving God by persecuting them. And then light, blinding, glorious light. And a voice: "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"  Lucius leans forward slightly, the chain pulling taut. And you changed? Just like that? Paul smiles. Not just like that. It took time. Three days of blindness, prayer, the ministry of Ananias, who was brave enough to come to me despite knowing my reputation. But yes, I changed. Or rather, Christ changed me. That's what this letter is about, Lucius. Christ changes everything. You carefully roll the parchment, feeling the texture of the papyrus beneath your fingers. When I carry this to Colossae, what should I tell them first? Tell them, Paul says slowly, that they are loved. That though I have never seen their faces, I carry them in my heart. Tell them that Christ is sufficient, completely, utterly sufficient. They don't need to add anything to what he has done. No philosophy, no secret knowledge, no human traditions. Just Christ. 

In the Field Audio Bible: 26:44
And the practical instructions, you ask? The prayers, the conduct, the speech? Paul turns back to you, his face illuminated by the afternoon light. Those flow from the truth. When you truly understand who Christ is and what he has done, your life changes. Prayer becomes as natural as breathing. Your conduct reflects his character. Your speech becomes seasoned with grace because you have tasted grace yourself. You tuck the scroll carefully into your leather travel bag. I'll also be carrying your letter to Philemon. Ah, yes, Paul's expression becomes tender about Onesimus. That will be a delicate matter. The runaway slave who became a believer here in Rome? You ask. Not just a believer, Paul corrects gently, a brother. That's what Philemon must understand. Onesimus is no longer merely a slave. He is a beloved brother in Christ. The gospel doesn't just change individuals, it transforms relationships, tears down barriers, makes family out of strangers. Lucius makes a sound. Half scoff, half something else. A slave and his master, brothers? That's that would change everything. Yes, Paul says simply. It would, it will. That's the power of the gospel, Lucius. It changes everything. 

In the Field Audio Bible: 28:36
There's a knock at the door. Three sharp raps. You move to answer it, and find a young man standing there, his travel cloak dusty from the road, his face is kind, his eyes warm. Tychicus! Paul exclaims with joy. "Come in, come in!" The young man enters, embracing Paul warmly despite the chain. I came as soon as I received your message. I'm ready to travel to Colossae. This is Tychicus, Paul introduces him to you. A faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. He will travel with you, carrying the letter and bringing news of how things are with me. Tychicus bows slightly to you. It will be an honor to journey together. The road to Colossae is long, but the message we carry makes every step worthwhile. You pull out the scroll, showing it to Tychicus. We just finished it. Paul's final words to the Colossians. The entire letter to the Colossians is now complete. Tychicus handles the parchment reverently. May I? At Paul's nod, he begins to read aloud, his voice clear and strong. I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.  Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Paul reaches out and touches the chain, his fingers running along the cold metal. Because these chains are not a sign of defeat. They are a testimony to the truth of the gospel. I am here, bound to you, because I refuse to stop preaching about Jesus. These chains prove that the message is worth suffering for. They prove that nothing, not imprisonment, not hardship, not even death, can separate us from the love of Christ. 

In the Field Audio Bible: 30:40
And grace be with you, you say softly. That's how you end every letter. Because grace is where everything begins and ends, Paul explains. Not our effort, not our worthiness, not our achievements, just grace. God's undeserved, unearned, unstoppable grace. That's what saves us. That's what sustains us. That's what will carry the Colossians through every trial they face. Tychicus carefully rolls the scroll again. When should we depart? Tomorrow at dawn, Paul says. The journey will take several weeks. You will travel through Asia, past Ephesus, through the Lycus Valley. When you arrive in Colossae, gather the church, all of them. Read this letter aloud, slowly, so they can absorb every word. Then read it again. Let it sink deep into their hearts. And after Colossae? Tychicus asks. Take it to Laodicea as well, Paul instructs. The churches need to hear these letters, to learn from one another, to be strengthened by the same truths. You stand, stretching your stiff legs. I should prepare for the journey. Is there anything else you want me to tell them? Paul grips your shoulders, his hands strong despite his age. Tell them that the gospel they received is true. Tell them not to be shaken by false teachers or intimidated by those who claim to have superior knowledge. Tell them that in Christ they have everything, absolutely everything, they need for life and godliness. I will, you promise. 

In the Field Audio Bible: 32:43
Paul pulls you into an embrace, and you feel the strength of his conviction, the depth of his love for people he has never met, and tell them I'm praying, always praying, that their love may abound more and more, that they may be filled with the knowledge of God's will, that they may live lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him. When he releases you, you see tears on his weathered cheeks. This is what I live for, he says. Not for my own comfort or freedom, but for the gospel to spread, for churches to be strengthened, for believers to grow in Christ. Tychicus places a hand on your shoulder. We should let Paul rest. Tomorrow will come early. You nod, gathering your belongings, but before you leave, you turn back one more time. Paul, thank you for your faithfulness, for your sacrifice, for these words that will change lives and Colossae and beyond. Paul smiles, and despite the chains, despite the small room, despite the limitations of house arrest, he looks utterly free. Thank Christ, not me. I'm just a servant. He is the treasure. Never forget that. As you step toward the door, Lucius speaks again. This Christ you speak of. He hesitates, then continues. Tell me more about him. Not now, but sometime. 

In the Field Audio Bible: 34:38
Paul's face lights up with joy so radiant it seems to fill the room. Lucius, I will tell you everything. We have time. All the hours of my house are rest. And I promise you, once you truly see him, you will never be the same. You leave the room, Tychicus is beside you, the scroll safely tucked in your bag. The Roman sun is setting now, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson. The streets are busy with people heading home after a day's work, unaware that in a small rented room nearby, the word of God has been written down, sealed, and prepared to travel across the empire. It's remarkable, isn't it? Tychicus says as you walk. Paul is imprisoned, yet his words will travel freely. He is bound, yet the gospel is unstoppable. The word of God is not bound, you say, remembering Paul's words from another letter? Exactly, Tychicus agrees. Tomorrow, we begin the journey, but tonight, let's rest and pray. The Colossians are waiting. They just don't know it yet. 

In the Field Audio Bible: 35:59
And so, dear listener, we come to the end of Paul's letter to the Colossians. The entire letter to the Colossians is now complete, but it is not truly an end, is it? It is a beginning, the beginning of living out these truths in your own life, in your own time, in your own circumstances. Christ is supreme over all, and him all things hold together, including your life, your struggles, your hopes, your fears. You have been raised with him. Your life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, appears, you also will appear with him in glory. So continue steadfastly in prayer. Conduct yourself wisely toward outsiders. Let your speech be gracious, seasoned with salt. And remember, you are not alone. You are part of a vast, beautiful family of believers scattered across the world, united in Christ. Grace be with you. 

In the Field Audio Bible: 37:09
Thank you for joining me today as we journeyed through The Epistle of Paul to the Colossians 4. I pray that you carry these reflections with you into your day, into your week, and that you find strength in knowing God is with you in every trial, every temptation, and every step of obedience. If this time in God's Word has encouraged you, take a moment to share it with someone who might need it. And be sure to join me next time as we continue walking through the scriptures, learning, growing, and staying faithful in the field of life. Until next time, may you find peace in the quiet, trust in God's call, and rest in His unchanging love. 

This is In the Field Audio Bible, where we Listen to the Bible One Chapter at a Time.