Colossians 4

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

Masters, deal justly and equitably with your slaves, knowing that you too have a Master in Heaven.

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving;

Be earnest and unwearied in prayer, being on the alert in it and in your giving of thanks.

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

And pray at the same time for us also, that God may open for us a door for preaching, for us to tell the truth concerning Christ for the sake of which I am even a prisoner.

4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.

Then I shall proclaim it fully, as it is my duty to do.

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

Behave wisely in relation to the outside world, buying up your opportunities.

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

Let your language be always seasoned with the salt of grace, so that you may know how to give every man a fitting answer.

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

Tychicus, our much-loved brother, a trusty assistant and fellow servant with us in the Lord's work, will give you every information about me.

8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts,

And for this very purpose I send him to you that you may know how we are faring; and that he may cheer your hearts.

9 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.

And with him I send our dear and trusty brother Onesimus, who is one of yourselves. They will inform you of everything here.

10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, "if he comes to you, receive him"),

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner sends greeting to you, and so does Barnabas's cousin Mark. You have received instructions as to him; if he comes to you, give him a welcome.

11 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.

Jesus, called Justus, also sends greeting. These three are Hebrew converts. They alone among such have worked loyally with me for the Kingdom of God--they are men who have been a comfort to me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Messiah, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, sends greetings to you, always wrestling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand firm--Christians of ripe character and of clear conviction as to everything which is God's will.

13 For I testify about him, that he has worked hard for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.

For I can bear witness to the deep interest he takes in you and in the brethren at Laodicea and in those at Hierapolis.

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.

Luke, the dearly-loved physician, salutes you, and so does Demas.

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

Christian greetings to the brethren at Laodicea, especially to Nymphas, and to the Church that meets at their house.

16 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.

And when this Letter has been read among you, let it be read also in the Church of the Laodiceans, and you in turn must read the one I am sending to Laodicea.

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

And tell Archippus to discharge carefully the duties devolving upon him as a servant of the Lord.

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

I Paul add with my own hand this final greeting. Be mindful of me in my imprisonment. Grace be with you.