Colossians 3:17-4:5

English Standard Version Anglicised

¹⁷ And ^(A)whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, ^(B)giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Rules for Christian Households

^18 (C)Wives, submit to your husbands, as ^(D)is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives, and ^(E)do not be harsh with them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents ^(F)in everything, for this pleases the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. ²² Slaves,^[a] obey ^(G)in everything those who are your earthly masters,^[b] not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. ^23 (H)Whatever you do, work heartily, ^(I)as for the Lord and not for men, ²⁴ knowing that from the Lord ^(J)you will receive the inheritance as your reward. ^(K)You are serving the Lord Christ. ²⁵ For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

4 Masters, treat your slaves^[c] justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Further Instructions

^2 (L)Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it ^(M)with thanksgiving. ³ At the same time, pray also for us, that God may ^(N)open to us a door for the word, ^(O)to declare the mystery of Christ, ^(P)on account of which I am in prison— ⁴ that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

^5 (Q)Walk in wisdom towards ^(R)outsiders, making the best use of the time.