Colossians 4

1 Masters, present to the bondmen what is right and equitable, knowing that ye also have a Master in heavens.

Masters, treat your slaves with justice and equity, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue in prayer, being vigilant in it with thankfulness.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

3 Praying simultaneously about us also, so that God may open to us a door of the word, to speak the mystery of the Christ, because of which I have also been bound,

At the same time pray for us as well, that God may open a door to us for the word so that we may speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

4 so that I may make it known as I ought to speak.

Pray that I may make it known in the way that I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward those outside, redeeming the time,

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

6 your speech always with grace, seasoned with salt, to know how it is fitting for you to answer each one.

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer each person.

7 Tychicus will make known to you all things about me, the beloved brother and faithful helper and fellow bondman in the Lord.

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

8 Whom I sent to you for this same thing, so that he may know the things about you, and may encourage your hearts,

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that he may know how you are doing and encourage your hearts.

9 with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother who is of you. They will make known to you all things here.

With him I have sent Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner salutes you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom ye received orders, if he comes to you, welcome him),

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and so does Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him).

11 and Jesus who is called Justus, these being the only fellow workmen from the circumcision for the kingdom of God, men who became a comfort to me.

Jesus who is called Justus also greets you. These men are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision, and they have been a comfort to me.

12 Epaphras, the bondman of Christ from you, salutes you, always striving for you in prayers, so that ye may stand perfect and made full in all the will of God.

Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ, greets you, always striving for you in his prayers, so that you may stand mature and complete in all the will of God.

13 For I testify about him, that he has much zeal for you, and those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.

For I testify about him that he has much zeal for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

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

Luke, the beloved physician, greets you, and so does Demas.

15 Salute the brothers in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly associated with his house.

Give my greetings to the brothers in Laodicea, and to Nymphas and the church that meets in his house.

16 And when the letter has been read among you, cause that it be read also in the congregation of Laodiceans, and that ye also read the one from Laodicea.

After this letter has been read among you, have it read in the church of the Laodiceans as well, and make sure you also read the letter from Laodicea.

17 And say to Archippus, Watch the ministry that thou received in the Lord so that thou may fulfill it.

Tell Archippus, “Be sure to complete the ministry yoʋ have received in the Lord.”

18 The salutation of Paul by my hand. Remember my bonds. Grace is with you. Truly.

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