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Masters, do to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a master in Heaven.

Be steadfast in prayer, watching with thanksgiving;

praying also for us that God may open a door of utterance to us to speak the mystery of Christ (because of which I am also in bonds);

that I should make it clear as it behooves me to speak.

Walk wisely toward those who are outside, rescuing lost time.

Let your speech always be gracious, having been seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer each one.

Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord, shall make known to you my whole state.

I have sent him to you for the same purpose, so that he might know your state and might comfort your hearts

with Onesimus, a faithful and a beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known to you all things here.

10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, salutes you; and Marcus, Barnabas’ cousin (concerning whom you received the commandment: ‘If he comes to you, receive him.’);

11 and Jesus, who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God who are of the circumcision. They have been a comfort to me.

12 Epaphras, the servant of Christ (who is one of you) greets you and always contends for you in prayers - that you may stand perfect and full in all the will of God.

13 For I bear witness of him, that he has a great zeal for you and for those of Laodicea and those of Hierapolis.

14 Luke, the beloved physician, greets you; and Demas.

15 Greet the brothers who are of Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

16 And when this letter is read among you, have it read in the church of the Laodiceans also, and that you likewise read the letter written from Laodicea.

17 And say to Archippus, ‘Pay attention to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.’

18 This greeting is by the hand of me, Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

(written from Rome to the Colossians, and sent by Tychicus, and Onesimus.)

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair,(A) because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Further Instructions

Devote yourselves to prayer,(B) being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door(C) for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery(D) of Christ, for which I am in chains.(E) Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise(F) in the way you act toward outsiders;(G) make the most of every opportunity.(H) Let your conversation be always full of grace,(I) seasoned with salt,(J) so that you may know how to answer everyone.(K)

Final Greetings

Tychicus(L) will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant[a](M) in the Lord. I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our[b] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.(N) He is coming with Onesimus,(O) our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you.(P) They will tell you everything that is happening here.

10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus(Q) sends you his greetings, as does Mark,(R) the cousin of Barnabas.(S) (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews[c] among my co-workers(T) for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras,(U) who is one of you(V) and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you,(W) that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature(X) and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea(Y) and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke,(Z) the doctor, and Demas(AA) send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea,(AB) and to Nympha and the church in her house.(AC)

16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read(AD) in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

17 Tell Archippus:(AE) “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”(AF)

18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.(AG) Remember(AH) my chains.(AI) Grace be with you.(AJ)

Footnotes

  1. Colossians 4:7 Or slave; also in verse 12
  2. Colossians 4:8 Some manuscripts that he may know about your
  3. Colossians 4:11 Greek only ones of the circumcision group