Colossians 4

1 Masters, deal out to your bond-servants justice and equity, knowing that ye also have a master in heaven.

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

2 Persevere in prayer, being watchful therein with thanksgiving;

Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving;

3 praying at the same time for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for the sake of which I am also in bonds;

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

4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, buying up opportunities.

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

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

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

7 Of all my affairs Tychicus will inform you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord;

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

8 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that he may know your condition, and comfort your hearts;

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

9 together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will inform you of every thing here.

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.

10 Aristarchus, my fellow-prisoner, saluteth you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom ye received directions (if he come to you, receive him),

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

11 and Jesus, who is called Justus; who are of the circumcision; these only are my fellow-workers for the kingdom of God, who have been an encouragement unto me.

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.

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

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

13 For I bear him witness, that he hath much labor for you, and those that are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.

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

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

Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.

15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church in his house.

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

16 And when the letter hath been read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that ye likewise read the letter from Laodicea.

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.

17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.

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

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

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