Colossians 4
1 Masters, render unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
Masters, provide your slaves with what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in the heavens.
2 Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving,
3 withal praying for us also, that God may open unto us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;
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),
4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Behave wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one.
Let your word always be with grace, seasoned with salt, to know how you ought to answer each one.
7 All my affairs shall Tychicus make known unto you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord:
Tychicus will tell you all the news about me; he is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow slave in the Lord.
8 whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our estate, and that he may comfort your hearts;
I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and encourage your hearts,
9 together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things that [are done] here.
with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you; they will tell you everything that is happening here.
10 Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (touching whom ye received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him),
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),
11 and Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only [are my] fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God, men that have been a comfort unto me.
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.
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 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.
13 For I bear him witness, that he hath much labour for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis.
I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas salute you.
Luke the beloved physician greets you, also Demas.
15 Salute the brethren that are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church that is in their house.
Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the congregation at his house.
16 And when this epistle hath been read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye also read the epistle from Laodicea.
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.
17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.
And say to Archippus, “See to it that you complete the work that you received in the Lord.”
18 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.
This greeting is in my own hand: Paul. Remember my chains. The Grace be with you. Amen.
