Colossians 4

1 You masters, treat your servants in a way that is right and fair, recognizing that you too have a Master in heaven.

Masters, give to bondmen what is just and fair, knowing that ye also have a Master in [the] heavens.

2 Remember to keep on praying, with an alert and thankful mind!

Persevere in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving;

3 Pray for us too that God may open a door of opportunity to spread the message, to tell about the revealed mystery of Christ—which is the reason I'm here in prison.

praying at the same time for us also, that God may open to us a door of the word to speak the mystery of Christ, on account of which also I am bound,

4 Pray that I may make it as clear as I should when I speak.

to the end that I may make it manifest as I ought to speak.

5 Behave wisely with outsiders, making the best use of every opportunity.

Walk in wisdom towards those without, redeeming opportunities.

6 Always be gracious when you speak. Make sure it's in good taste, and think about how best to answer everyone.

[Let] your word [be] always with grace, seasoned with salt, [so as] to know how ye ought to answer each one.

7 Tychicus will tell you all about what's happening to me. He's a dear brother, a trustworthy minister and co-worker in the Lord.

Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-bondman in [the] Lord, will make known to you all that concerns me;

8 I'm sending him to you for this very reason—so that you'll know how things are with me and this will cheer you up.

whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that he might know your state, and that he might encourage your hearts:

9 Onesimus is going with him too, a trusted and dear brother, who's one of you. They'll explain to you everything that's going on here.

with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is [one] of you. They shall make known to you everything here.

10 Aristarchus who's with me here in prison sends his best wishes; likewise Mark, Barnabas' cousin (you've already had instructions to welcome him if he visits you),

Aristarchus my fellow-captive salutes you, and Mark, Barnabas's cousin, concerning whom ye have received orders, (if he come to you, receive him, )

11 and Jesus—also called Justus—who are the only Jewish Christians among those working with me here for the kingdom of God, men who have been a great help to me.

and Jesus called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These [are the] only fellow-workers for the kingdom of God who have been a consolation to me.

12 Epaphras who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends his greetings. He's always passionate in his prayers on your behalf, praying that you'll stand firm as grown-up Christians, totally convinced about everything as God would want.

Epaphras, who is [one] of you, [the] bondman of Christ Jesus, salutes you, always combating earnestly for you in prayers, to the end that ye may stand perfect and complete in all [the] will of God.

13 For the record I can tell you that he's done a lot for you, and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis as well.

For I bear him witness that he labours much for you, and them in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

14 Luke, our dear doctor, and Demas also send their best.

Luke, the beloved physician, salutes you, and Demas.

15 Greet the believers that are in Laodicea—Nympha too, and the church that meets in her house.

Salute the brethren in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly which [is] in his house.

16 And when this letter has been read to you, make sure it's read to the church in Laodicea too, and that you also read the letter sent to Laodicea.

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

17 Tell Archippus, “See that you follow through in doing the ministry God gave you.”

And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in [the] Lord, to the end that thou fulfil it.

18 I Paul write my closing greetings with my own hand. Remember I'm in prison. Grace be with you.

The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace [be] with you.