Colossians 4
1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in the heavens.
The masters: give that which is righteous and equal to the servants, having known that you also have a Master in the heavens.
2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving,
Continue in the prayer, watching in it in thanksgiving,
3 at the same time praying for us, that God may open to us a door for the Word, to speak the mystery of Christ (for which I am also in chains),
also praying for us at the same time, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the secret of the Christ, because of which I have also been bound,
4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
that I may reveal it, as it is necessary for me to speak.
5 Behave wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
Walk in wisdom toward those outside, redeeming the time,
6 Let your word always be with grace, seasoned with salt, to know how you ought to answer each one.
your word always being seasoned with salt in grace—to know how it is necessary for you to answer each one.
7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me; he is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow slave in the Lord.
Tychicus will make known to you all the things concerning me—the beloved brother, and faithful servant, and fellow-servant in the LORD—
8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and encourage your hearts,
whom I sent to you for this very thing, that he might know the things concerning you, and might comfort your hearts,
9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you; they will tell you everything that is happening here.
with Onesimus the faithful and beloved brother, who is of you; they will make known to you all things that [are] here.
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him),
Aristarchus greets you, my fellow-captive, and Marcus, the nephew of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commands—if he may come 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.
and Jesus who is called Justus, who are of circumcision: these [are the] only fellow-workers for the Kingdom of God who become a comfort to me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a slave of Christ, greets you; he is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Epaphras greets you, who [is] of you, a servant of Christ, always striving for you in the prayers, that you may stand perfect and made full in all the will of God,
13 I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.
for I testify to him that he has much zeal for you, and those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, also Demas.
Lucas greets you, the beloved physician, and Demas;
15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the congregation at his house.
those in Laodicea greet you—brothers, and Nymphas, and the assembly in his house;
16 Now when this letter has been read among you, see that it is also read in the Laodicean congregation, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
and when the letter may be read with you, cause that it may also be read in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and the [letter] from Laodicea that you also may read;
17 And say to Archippus, “See to it that you complete the work that you received in the Lord.”
and say to Archippus, “See to the ministry that you received in the LORD, that you may fulfill it.”
18 This greeting is in my own hand: Paul. Remember my chains. The Grace be with you. Amen.
The salutation [is] by my hand, Paul. Remember my bonds. The grace [is] with you! Amen.
