Colossians 4

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

Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,

Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with 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.

praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;

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

that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.

5 Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

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

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

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.

All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow slave in the Lord.

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 am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our circumstances and that he may encourage 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.

together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on 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, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, "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, who are of the circumcision. These are my only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort 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, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the 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 testify about him, that he has worked hard for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.

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

Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.

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

Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that is in her house.

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.

When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

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

Tell Archippus, "See that you fulfill the ministry that you have been given in the Lord."

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

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