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15 And let the peace of Christ[a] rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.(A) 16 Let the word of Christ[b] dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.[c](B) 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.(C)

Rules for Christian Households

18 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.(D) 19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord.(E) 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters[d] in everything, not with a slavery performed merely for looks, to please people, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.[e](F) 23 Whatever task you must do, work as if your soul depends on it, as for the Lord and not for humans, 24 since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.(G) 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong has been done, and there is no partiality.(H) Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, for you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Further Instructions

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.(I) At the same time, pray for us as well, that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison,(J) so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.

Footnotes

  1. 3.15 Other ancient authorities read of God
  2. 3.16 Other ancient authorities read of God or of the Lord
  3. 3.16 Other ancient authorities read to the Lord
  4. 3.22 In Gk the same word is used for master and Lord
  5. 3.22 In Gk the same word is used for master and Lord