Colossians 4

1 The masters: give that which is righteous and equal to the servants, having known that you also have a Master in the heavens.

Masters, do what is right and fair by your slaves, for you know that you also have a Master — in Heaven.

2 Continue in the prayer, watching in it in thanksgiving,

Devote yourselves to prayer. Give your whole mind to it, and also offer thanksgiving;

3 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,

and at the same time pray for us, that God may give us an opening for our Message, so that we may speak of the truths hidden in the Christ — the truths for which I am in chains!

4 that I may reveal it, as it is necessary for me to speak.

Then I shall make them known, as I ought to do.

5 Walk in wisdom toward those outside, redeeming the time,

Show tact in your behaviour to the outside world, making the most of every opportunity.

6 your word always being seasoned with salt in grace—to know how it is necessary for you to answer each one.

Let your conversation always be kindly, and seasoned, as it were, with salt; that you may know in each case what answer you ought to give.

7 Tychicus will make known to you all the things concerning me—the beloved brother, and faithful servant, and fellow-servant in the LORD—

Our dear Brother, Tychicus, will tell you all about me. He is a faithful minister, and a fellow-servant in the Master’s cause.

8 whom I sent to you for this very thing, that he might know the things concerning you, and might comfort your hearts,

I send him to you expressly that you may learn our circumstances, and that he may give you encouragement.

9 with Onesimus the faithful and beloved brother, who is of you; they will make known to you all things that [are] here.

With him will be Onesimus, our dear faithful Brother, who is one of yourselves. They will tell you all that is going on here.

10 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),

My fellow-prisoner, Aristarchus, sends you his greeting, and Barnabas’s cousin, Mark, sends his. (You have received directions about him. If he comes to you, make him welcome.)

11 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.

Joshua, who is called Justus, also sends his greeting. These are the only converts from Judaism who have worked with me for the kingdom of God; I have found them a great comfort.

12 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,

Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, sends you his greeting. He is a servant of Christ Jesus, and is always most earnest in your behalf in his prayers, praying that you may stand firm, with a matured faith and with a sure conviction of all that is in accordance with God’s will.

13 for I testify to him that he has much zeal for you, and those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.

I can bear testimony to the deep interest he takes in you, as well as in the Brethren at Laodicea and at Hierapolis.

14 Lucas greets you, the beloved physician, and Demas;

Luke, our dear doctor, sends you his greeting, and Demas sends his.

15 those in Laodicea greet you—brothers, and Nymphas, and the assembly in his house;

Give my greeting to the Brethren at Laodicea, and to Nymphe, and to the Church that meets at her house.

16 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;

And when this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read before the Church at Laodicea, and that you yourselves read the letter which will be forwarded from there.

17 and say to Archippus, “See to the ministry that you received in the LORD, that you may fulfill it.”

Give this message to Archippus — ‘Take care to discharge to the best of your ability the office to which you were appointed in the Master’s Cause.’

18 The salutation [is] by my hand, Paul. Remember my bonds. The grace [is] with you! Amen.

I, Paul, add this greeting in my own handwriting. Remember these chains of mine. God’s blessing be with you.