Colossians 4:18

Salutation by ... Paul. Apparently at this point Paul took the quill from the hand of his amanuensis and wrote his own farewell greeting (see on 1 Cor. 16:21; Gal. 6:11). The expression shows his affection, and adds a final touch of genuineness and personal authority to his letter.

Remember my bonds. Paul doubtless mentioned these to arouse the sympathetic love and understanding of the Colossians. They would realize that he, though in chains in prison, was yet mindful of them. They would sense anew his affection for them and his intercession on their behalf.

Grace be with you. Compare 1 Tim. 6:21; 2 Tim. 4:22. For the meaning of the greeting see on Rom. 1:7.

Amen. Important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the omission of this word.

The postscript following v. 18 occurs in no ancient manuscript. It was not part of the original inspired record.