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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Colossians 4:16 After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/colossians/4-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/51_Col_04_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Colossians 4:16 - Sharing This Letter" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/colossians/4-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/colossians/4-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/colossians/">Colossians</a> > <a href="/colossians/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/colossians/4-15.htm" title="Colossians 4:15">◄</a> Colossians 4:16 <a href="/colossians/4-17.htm" title="Colossians 4:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/colossians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/colossians/4.htm">New International Version</a> 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. <a href="/nlt/colossians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them. <a href="/esv/colossians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. <a href="/bsb/colossians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. <a href="/blb/colossians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And when the letter shall be read among you, cause that it may be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you also may read the one from Laodicea. <a href="/kjv/colossians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. <a href="/nkjv/colossians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. <a href="/nasb_/colossians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part, read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. <a href="/nasb/colossians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. <a href="/nasb77/colossians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And when this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. <a href="/lsb/colossians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And when this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. <a href="/amp/colossians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When this letter has been read among you, see that it is read in the church of the Laodiceans; and also that you in turn read my letter [that is coming to you] from Laodicea. <a href="/csb/colossians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. <a href="/hcsb/colossians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. <a href="/asv/colossians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when this epistle hath been read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye also read the epistle from Laodicea. <a href="/cev/colossians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> After this letter has been read to your people, be sure to have it read in the church at Laodicea. And you should read the letter that I have sent to them. <a href="/erv/colossians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when this epistle hath been read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye also read the epistle from Laodicea. <a href="/gwt/colossians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> After you have read this letter, read it in the church at Laodicea. Make sure that you also read the letter from Laodicea. <a href="/gnt/colossians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> After you read this letter, make sure that it is read also in the church at Laodicea. At the same time, you are to read the letter that the believers in Laodicea will send you. <a href="/isv/colossians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> When this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and be sure to read the one from Laodicea. <a href="/msb/colossians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. <a href="/net/colossians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> And after you have read this letter, have it read to the church of Laodicea. In turn, read the letter from Laodicea as well. <a href="/nheb/colossians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the letter from Laodicea. <a href="/wbt/colossians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. <a href="/wey/colossians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And when this Letter has been read among you, let it be read also in the Church of the Laodiceans, and you in turn must read the one I am sending to Laodicea. <a href="/web/colossians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the letter from Laodicea. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/colossians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and when the letter may be read with you, cause that it may also be read in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and the [letter] from Laodicea that you also may read; <a href="/blb/colossians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And when the letter shall be read among you, cause that it may be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you also may read the one from Laodicea. <a href="/ylt/colossians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and when the epistle may be read with you, cause that also in the assembly of the Laodiceans it may be read, and the epistle from Laodicea that ye also may read; <a href="/slt/colossians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And when the epistle shall be read among you, make that also it be read to the church in Laodicea; and that ye also read that from Laodicea.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/colossians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when this epistle shall have been read with you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans: and that you read that which is of the Laodiceans. <a href="/cpdv/colossians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when this epistle has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and you should read that which is from the Laodiceans. <a href="/nabre/colossians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> And when this letter is read before you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and you yourselves read the one from Laodicea. <a href="/nrsvce/colossians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/colossians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when this epistle has been read to you, see that it is read also in the church of the La-od-i-ce’ans; and likewise you read the epistle written from La-od-i-ce’a. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/colossians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And whenever this letter is read to you, cause it to be read in the church of Laidiqia and read that which was written from Laidiqia.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/colossians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And when this letter has been read among you, cause that it be read in the church of the Laodiceans also; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea; <a href="/godbey/colossians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And when the letter may be read by you, cause that it may also be read in the church of the Laodiceans; and that you may also read the letter from Laodicea. <a href="/haweis/colossians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And when this epistle hath been read among you, cause that it also be read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that ye also read that from Laodicea. <a href="/mace/colossians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> church which uses to meet in his house, when this epistle has been read among you, take care that it be read likewise in the church of the Laodiceans, and <a href="/wey/colossians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And when this Letter has been read among you, let it be read also in the Church of the Laodiceans, and you in turn must read the one I am sending to Laodicea. <a href="/worrell/colossians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, when the letter may be read among you, cause that it be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that ye also read the one from Laodicea. <a href="/worsley/colossians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And when this letter has been read amongst you, cause it to be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; that ye may also read that from Laodicea. <a href="/parallel/colossians/4-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7q-K-qsfihQ?start=856" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/colossians/4.htm">Sharing This Letter</a> 15Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house. 16<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3752.htm" title="3752: hotan (Conj) -- When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.">After</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">this</a> <a href="/greek/1992.htm" title="1992: epistolē (N-NFS) -- A letter, dispatch, epistle, message. From epistello; a written message.">letter</a> <a href="/greek/314.htm" title="314: anagnōsthē (V-ASP-3S) -- To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.">has been read</a> <a href="/greek/3844.htm" title="3844: par’ (Prep) -- Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. ">among</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēsate (V-AMA-2P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">make sure</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">that</a> <a href="/greek/314.htm" title="314: anagnōsthē (V-ASP-3S) -- To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.">it is also read</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsia (N-DFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">church</a> <a href="/greek/2994.htm" title="2994: Laodikeōn (N-GMP) -- A Laodicean, an inhabitant of Laodicea. From Laodikeia; a Laodicean, i.e. Inhabitant of Laodicia.">of the Laodiceans,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">that</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">in turn</a> <a href="/greek/314.htm" title="314: anagnōte (V-ASA-2P) -- To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.">read</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the letter</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">from</a> <a href="/greek/2993.htm" title="2993: Laodikeias (N-GFS) -- From a compound of laos and dike; Laodicia, a place in Asia Minor.">Laodicea.</a> 17Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-27.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:27</a> I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. <a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia: <a href="/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3-4</a> that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. / In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, <a href="/1_timothy/4-13.htm">1 Timothy 4:13</a> Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching. <a href="/revelation/1-3.htm">Revelation 1:3</a> Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near. <a href="/acts/15-30.htm">Acts 15:30-31</a> So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they assembled the congregation and delivered the letter. / When the people read it, they rejoiced at its encouraging message. <a href="/2_peter/3-15.htm">2 Peter 3:15-16</a> Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him. / He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. <a href="/1_corinthians/16-1.htm">1 Corinthians 16:1</a> Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia: <a href="/galatians/1-2.htm">Galatians 1:2</a> and all the brothers with me, To the churches of Galatia: <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a> Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: <a href="/romans/16-16.htm">Romans 16:16</a> Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings. <a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10</a> For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.” <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-1.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:1</a> Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. <a href="/acts/20-27.htm">Acts 20:27</a> For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. <a href="/2_timothy/4-13.htm">2 Timothy 4:13</a> When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div> And when this letter is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that you likewise read the letter from Laodicea.<a href="/1_thessalonians/5-27.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:27</a> I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/colossians/4-15.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/colossians/4-15.htm">Church</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-8.htm">Epistle</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-3.htm">Letter</a> <a href="/philippians/2-18.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/colossians/1-24.htm">Part</a> <a href="/colossians/2-15.htm">Public</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Read</a> <a href="/colossians/4-8.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/philippians/2-19.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/1-1.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-1.htm">Church</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-27.htm">Epistle</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-27.htm">Letter</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-3.htm">Part</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-13.htm">Public</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-27.htm">Read</a> <a href="/philemon/1-12.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-9.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Colossians 4</div>1. <a href="/colossians/4-1.htm">He exhorts them to be fervent in prayer;</a> 5. <a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">to walk wisely toward those who are not yet come to the true knowledge of Christ.</a> 10. <a href="/colossians/4-10.htm">He salutes them, and wishes them all prosperity.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/colossians/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>After this letter has been read among you The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of communal reading of his letters, which were often addressed to entire congregations. This practice highlights the early church's reliance on oral tradition and public reading due to limited access to written texts. The letter to the Colossians was intended to be read aloud to ensure that all members, regardless of literacy, could hear and understand the teachings. This reflects the communal nature of early Christian worship and the importance of shared doctrine.make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans Laodicea was a neighboring city to Colossae, located in the Lycus Valley in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The instruction to share the letter with the Laodiceans underscores the interconnectedness of early Christian communities and the universal applicability of Paul's teachings. It also suggests that the issues addressed in the letter were relevant to multiple congregations. This practice of circulating letters helped to maintain doctrinal unity and encouraged mutual support among the early churches.and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea The reference to a letter from Laodicea, which is not extant, indicates that Paul wrote other letters that were not preserved in the New Testament canon. This highlights the broader scope of Paul's ministry and the possibility of other teachings and instructions that were shared among the early churches. The exchange of letters between congregations suggests a network of communication and collaboration, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. This practice also points to the early church's recognition of the authority of apostolic writings, which were considered vital for instruction and edification.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who authored the letter to the Colossians, providing guidance and instruction to the early church. 2. <a href="/topical/c/colossians.htm">Colossians</a> The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in the city of Colossae. 3. <a href="/topical/l/laodiceans.htm">Laodiceans</a> Another Christian community in the nearby city of Laodicea, also recipients of a letter from Paul. 4. <a href="/topical/c/church_of_laodicea.htm">Church of Laodicea</a> A neighboring church to Colossae, mentioned in the context of sharing Paul's letters. 5. <a href="/topical/l/letter_from_laodicea.htm">Letter from Laodicea</a> A letter written by Paul to the Laodiceans, which is not part of the current biblical canon but was intended to be shared with the Colossians.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_scripture_sharing.htm">The Importance of Scripture Sharing</a> The early church valued the sharing of apostolic letters, recognizing their authority and the need for communal edification. <a href="/topical/i/interconnectedness_of_the_church.htm">Interconnectedness of the Church</a> The instruction to share letters between churches highlights the unity and interconnectedness of the body of Christ, transcending local congregations. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_scripture_in_spiritual_growth.htm">The Role of Scripture in Spiritual Growth</a> Regular reading and sharing of Scripture are vital for spiritual growth, correction, and encouragement within the church community. <a href="/topical/t/the_authority_of_apostolic_teaching.htm">The Authority of Apostolic Teaching</a> Paul's letters were considered authoritative and essential for guiding the early church, a principle that remains relevant for contemporary believers. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_to_seek_wisdom.htm">Encouragement to Seek Wisdom</a> Engaging with Scripture from different perspectives and communities can provide a broader understanding and deeper wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_colossians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Colossians 4</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_laodicea.htm">What is known about Laodicea in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_the_laodicea_letter_missing.htm">If the Bible is divinely preserved, why is the letter mentioned in Colossians 4:16 (addressed to Laodicea) missing? </a> <a href="/q/when_was_the_new_testament_formed.htm">When and how was the New Testament canon formed?</a> <a href="/q/why_no_record_of_1_thess._5_27_reading.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:27 – Why is there no clear archeological or historical record verifying that this letter was read to all assemblies as commanded? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/colossians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) When this epistle.--In the implied direction to read this Epistle in the Church--a direction expressly given under like circumstances to the Church at Thessalonica (<a href="/1_thessalonians/5-27.htm" title="I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers.">1Thessalonians 5:27</a>)--we discern the method of first publication of the Apostolic Epistles; in the direction to interchange Epistles with the Laodicean Church, we trace the way in which these Epistles became more widely diffused, and recognised as authoritative in the Church at large. Thus it was that they were "canonised," i.e., accepted as a part of the "canon" or rule of divine truth. The likelihood, or unlikelihood, of this public reading has an important bearing on the question of the authenticity of some of the books, which were placed among the "doubtful" by Eusebius and other ancient authorities. The fact that other books (such as our so-called Apocryphal books) were also publicly read was the cause of their being wrongly confused with the books of Holy Scripture.The epistle from Laodicea.--The question, What was this "Epistle from Laodicea"? has given birth to a crowd of conjectures, of which an admirable and exhaustive examination will be found in Dr. Lightfoot's Excursus on this verse. But many of these may be at once dismissed. It seems perfectly clear, from the obvious parallelism of this Epistle from Laodicea with the Epistle to the Colossians itself, that it was a letter not from the Laodicean Church, not from any other Apostle, or Apostolic writer, but from St. Paul himself, either written at Laodicea, or (as is more likely) written to the Laodicean Church, and to be sent "from Laodicea" to Colossae. Hence the question is narrowed to a single alternative--(1) Is it an Epistle which has been lost, or, at any rate, not found in the canon? This is, of course, possible; it cannot be necessary, as it is certainly difficult, to suppose that all St. Paul's Epistles have been preserved to us in Holy Scripture. Now, there is extant an "Epistle to the Laodiceans," circulated in the West, and known only in the Latin, although it has been thought to bear traces of translation from a Greek original. This letter (for which see Excursus B.) is obviously a forgery, probably not of early date, being little more than a tame compilation of phrases from St. Paul's Epistles. Putting this unhesitatingly aside, we may suppose the letter to have been lost. But this is a supposition merely arbitrary, and not to be adopted, except in default of something which has a better claim to attention. (2) Is it some other of St. Paul's known Epistles? The only letter which is noticed in our ordinary copies of the Greek Testament as written from Laodicea is the First Epistle to Timothy; but this is put out of the question, both in date and character; and, moreover, the very idea of a letter written from Laodicea at this time is negatived by St. Paul's declaration (<a href="/colossians/2-1.htm" title=" For I would that you knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;">Colossians 2:1</a>) that the Laodiceans had not seen his face in the flesh. A fourth century tradition declares our "Epistle to the Hebrews" to have been written to the Laodiceans; but (setting aside all question of the authorship) the whole character and argument of the Epistle make this extremely unlikely. Far the most probable supposition identifies it with our "Epistle to the Ephesians." For the reasons for supposing this an encyclical letter, see Introduction to that Epistle. In particular it should not be forgotten that Marcion expressly calls it an "Epistle to the Laodiceans." Laodicea lay lower down the valley, and was the larger town: an encyclical letter might well be left there to be sent on to Colossae. The two Epistles, as we have seen, have both strong likeness and marked distinction. Nothing could be more natural than that they should be interchanged, according to the direction of the text.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/colossians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - And when this letter has been read among you, see to it (literally, cause) that it be read also in the Church of (the) Laodiceans (<a href="/1_thessalonians/5-27.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:27</a>). For these two Churches were closely allied in origin and condition, as well as by situation and acquaintanceship (<a href="/colossians/2-1.htm">Colossians 2:1-5</a>; <a href="/colossians/4-13.htm">Colossians 4:13</a>). The leaven of the Colossian error was doubtless beginning to work in Laodicea also. The words addressed to Laodicea in the Apocalypse (<a href="/revelation/3-14.htm">Revelation 3:14-22</a>) bear reference apparently to the language of this Epistle (<a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15-18</a>); see Lightfoot, pp. 41, etc. The phrase, "Church of Laodiceans," corresponds to that used in the salutation of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, but is not found elsewhere in St. Paul. And that ye also read the letter from Laodicea. What was this letter? Clearly a letter from St. Paul which would be received at Laodicea, and which the Colossians were to obtain from there. The connection of this sentence with the foregoing, and the absence of any other definition of the words, "the letter (from Laodicea)," make this evident. Nothing further can be affirmed with certainty. But several considerations point to the probability that this missing Epistle is none other than our (so-called) Epistle to the Ephesians. For: (1) Both letters were sent at the same time, and by the same messenger (<a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Ephesians 6:21</a>; <a href="/colossians/4-7.htm">Colossians 4:7</a>). (2) The relation between the two is more intimate than exists between any other of St. Paul's writings; they are twins, the birth of the same crisis in the condition of the Church and in the apostle's own mind. Each serves as a commentary on the other. And there are several important topics, lightly touched upon in this letter, on which the writer dilates at length in the other (comp. <a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Colossians 1:9</a> b and <a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17, 18</a>; <a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Colossians 1:23</a> b-25 and <a href="/ephesians/3-1.htm">Ephesians 3:1-13</a>; <a href="/colossians/1-18.htm">Colossians 1:18</a> a, 24 b, 2:19 and <a href="/ephesians/4-4.htm">Ephesians 4:4-16, 5</a>:23-32; <a href="/colossians/1-21.htm">Colossians 1:21, 27, 2</a>:11-13, 3:11 and <a href="/ephesians/2.htm">Ephesians 2</a>; <a href="/colossians/1-18.htm">Colossians 1:18</a> ("Firstborn out of the dead"), 2:12 b and <a href="/ephesians/1-19.htm">Ephesians 1:19-23</a>; <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12</a> ("God's elect") and <a href="/ephesians/1-3.htm">Ephesians 1:3-14</a>; <a href="/colossians/3-18.htm">Colossians 3:18, 19</a> and <a href="/ephesians/5-22.htm">Ephesians 5:22-33</a>). On the other hand, the main arguments of the Colossian letter are, as it seems, assumed and presupposed in the Ephesian (comp. <a href="/ephesians/1-10.htm">Ephesians 1:10, 20</a> b-23, 2:20 b, 3:8 b-11, 19 b, 4:13 b with <a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15-20, 2</a>:9, 10; <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Ephesians 4:14</a> with <a href="/colossians/2-4.htm">Colossians 2:4, 8, 16-23</a>). (3) The words ἐν Αφέδῳ in <a href="/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1</a> are of doubtful authenticity; and there is much in the internal character of that Epistle to favour the hypothesis, proposed by Archbishop Usher, that it was a circular letter, destined for a number of Churches in Asia Minor, of which Ephesus may have been the first and Laodicea the last (compare the order of <a href="/revelation/2-3.htm">Revelation 2:3</a>.). In that case a copy of the Ephesian Epistle would be left at Laodicea by Tychicus on his way to Colossae. (See Introduction, § 6; compare that to Ephesians.) . . . <a href="/commentaries/colossians/4-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>After ὅταν (hotan) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3752.htm">Strong's 3752: </a> When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as. [this] ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. letter ἐπιστολή (epistolē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> A letter, dispatch, epistle, message. From epistello; a written message. has been read ἀναγνωσθῇ (anagnōsthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_314.htm">Strong's 314: </a> To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read. among παρ’ (par’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3844.htm">Strong's 3844: </a> Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. you, ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. make sure ποιήσατε (poiēsate) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. it is also read ἀναγνωσθῇ (anagnōsthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_314.htm">Strong's 314: </a> To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. church ἐκκλησίᾳ (ekklēsia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. of [the] Laodiceans, Λαοδικέων (Laodikeōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2994.htm">Strong's 2994: </a> A Laodicean, an inhabitant of Laodicea. From Laodikeia; a Laodicean, i.e. Inhabitant of Laodicia. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. you ὑμεῖς (hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. in turn καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. read ἀναγνῶτε (anagnōte) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_314.htm">Strong's 314: </a> To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read. the [letter] τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. from ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. Laodicea. Λαοδικείας (Laodikeias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2993.htm">Strong's 2993: </a> From a compound of laos and dike; Laodicia, a place in Asia Minor. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/colossians/4-16.htm">Colossians 4:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/colossians/4-16.htm">Colossians 4:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/colossians/4-16.htm">Colossians 4:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/colossians/4-16.htm">Colossians 4:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/colossians/4-16.htm">Colossians 4:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/colossians/4-16.htm">Colossians 4:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/colossians/4-16.htm">Colossians 4:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/colossians/4-16.htm">Colossians 4:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/colossians/4-16.htm">Colossians 4:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/colossians/4-16.htm">Colossians 4:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/colossians/4-16.htm">NT Letters: Colossians 4:16 When this letter has been read among (Coloss. 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