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

Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving, 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, that I may reveal it as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 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, 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. These are my only fellow workers for God’s Kingdom who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me.

12 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 complete in all the will of God. 13 For I testify about him that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house. 16 When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.”

18 The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand: remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

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.(A) 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) so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.

Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.[a](C) 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

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) 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; 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)

Footnotes

  1. 4.5 Or opportunity
  2. 4.8 Other ancient authorities read that I may know how you are
  3. 4.12 Other ancient authorities add Jesus
  4. 4.12 Other ancient authorities read complete
  5. 4.15 Other ancient authorities read his or their
  6. 4.18 Other ancient authorities add Amen