Colossians 4
1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in the heavens.
Masters, afford to your servants what is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in the heavens.
2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving,
Continue instant in prayer, watching in it with 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),
at the same time, also, praying for us, that God would open to us a door of utterance, to speak the secret of Christ, for which, indeed, I am in bonds;
4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 Behave wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
Walk in wisdom toward them who are without, gaining time.
6 Let your word always be with grace, seasoned with salt, to know how you ought to answer each one.
Let your speech be always with gracefulness, seasoned with salt, knowing how you ought to answer every 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.
All things concerning me, Tychicus, a beloved brother, and faithful minister, and fellow-servant in the Lord, will make known to you;
8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and encourage your hearts,
whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that he may know your affairs, and 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, a faithful and beloved brother, who is from you. They will make known to you all things which are done 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, my fellow-prisoner, salutes you; and Mark, the nephew of Barnabas, concerning whom you go orders: if he 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 the circumcision. These, alone, are laborers with me for the kingdom of God, who has been a consolation 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, who came from you, a servant of Christ, salutes you; at all times fervently striving for you by prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in the whole 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 bear him witness, that he has much affection for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis.
14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, also Demas.
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, salute you.
15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the congregation at his house.
Salute the brethren in Laodicea; and Nymphas, and the congregation 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 this epistle has been read to you, cause that it be read also in the congregation of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the one from Laodicea.
17 And say to Archippus, “See to it that you complete the work that you received in the Lord.”
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry, which you have 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 of Paul, with my own hand. Remember my bonds. Favor be with you.
