Colossians 4

1 Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

You masters, supply your servants with what is just and equitable, knowing that you, too, have a Master in heaven.

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,

Pursue prayer. Be watchful in prayer with acts of thanksgiving.

3 as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

Pray together, for us also, so that God may open a door of speech to us, so as to speak the mystery of Christ, (because of which, even now, I am in chains)

4 Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.

so that I may manifest it in the manner that I ought to speak.

5 Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming this age.

6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Let your speech be ever graceful, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to respond to each person.

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

As for the things that concern me, Tychicus, a most beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord, will make everything known to you.

8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that he may know the things that concern you, and may console your hearts,

9 With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

with Onesimus, a most beloved and faithful brother, who is from among you. They shall make known to you everything that is happening here.

10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him.

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as does Mark, the near cousin of Barnabas, about whom you have received instructions, (if he comes to you, receive him)

11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

and Jesus, who is called Justus, and those who are of the circumcision. These alone are my assistants, unto the kingdom of God; they have been a consolation to me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God.

Epaphras greets you, who is from among you, a servant of Christ Jesus, ever solicitous for you in prayer, so that you may stand, perfect and complete, in the entire will of God.

13 For I testify about him that he goes to great pains for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.

For I offer testimony to him, that he has labored greatly for you, and for those who are at Laodicea, and for those at Hierapolis.

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings.

Luke, a most beloved physician, greets you, as does Demas.

15 Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house.

Greet the brothers who are at Laodicea, and Nymphas, and those who are at his house, a church.

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.

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.

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

And tell Archippus: “See to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, in order to fulfill it.”

18 This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

The greeting of Paul by my own hand. Remember my chains. May grace be with you. Amen.