“The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand: remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.”

Paul says goodbye to the Christians at Colosse with a heavy heart, for he knows he will not see them again on this side of eternity. He signs the letter with his own hand, for he has written it in the straights of prison, and there were also many imposters. The best thing he can leave with the believers, is to confer the grace of God unto them. This is the greatest blessing in the Christians life – to have the work of the Holy Spirit within us and ministering to our souls. His grace to us is wonderful in the extreme and appreciated by those who walk closely with Him.

Touchingly, Paul reminds the believers that He is in prison and to not forget what he is facing every day. He is in prison for the cause of Christ and for speaking out the gospel to so many in a myriad of circumstances. He has carried the burden for them that they might be taught the truths of God and be guided on all truth. He is asking them to pray for him and to not forget him. It so easy to forget those who are out of the circle of our friends and acquaintances and we can be so hard-hearted about those who are alone in their lives. Some blamed the Apostle for his circumstances, saying he had surely sinned grievously and was being chastised, one of the many discouragements Paul must have faced in that dreadful place. Although in chains, he remains content in the Lord and continually gives of himself for the believers.

It must have been so difficult for the Apostle Paul as he faced the loneliness and the threat of death as he sat in a prison cell. He is humble and still asks for prayer that he might be sustained.

Still he is labouring for the Lord and remembering the saints in all the churches that he has had input into, and cares for them all so deeply. He asked them to remember him, and not forget him. He is in this position for their sake and deserving of sympathy and care.

“Remember those who are in bonds, as bound with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you are also in the body.”

Hebrews 13:3

His final words are full of the grace of God and the agreement of the Holy Spirit that the Colossian Christians and all who will read this letter will be filled with grace. So also we, in these last days enjoy the benefits of this great epistle. I pray the Word will dwell in you richly and bear eternal fruit.