4 ¹ Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, for you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Further Instructions

² Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.^{(A) 3} 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,^{(B) 4} so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.

⁵ Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.^{[a](C) 6} Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.^(D)

Final Greetings and Benediction

⁷ Tychicus will tell you all the news about me; he is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord.^{(E) 8} I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are^[b] and that he may encourage your hearts; ⁹ he is coming with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.^(F)

¹⁰ Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him.^{(G) 11} And Jesus who is called Justus greets you. These are the only ones of the circumcision among my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. ¹² Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ,^[c] greets you. He is always striving in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured^[d] in everything that God wills.^{(H) 13} For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.^{(I) 15} Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church in her^[e] house.^{(J) 16} And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. ¹⁷ And say to Archippus, “See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord.”^(K)

¹⁸ I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.^[f](L)