Colossians 3:11-4:3

English Standard Version

^11 (A)Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave,^[a] free; but Christ is ^(B)all, and in all.

^12 (C)Put on then, as ^(D)God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, ^(E)compassionate hearts, ^(F)kindness, ^(G)humility, meekness, and patience, ^13 (H)bearing with one another and, ^(I)if one has a complaint against another, ^(J)forgiving each other; ^(K)as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ¹⁴ And above all these put on ^(L)love, which ^(M)binds everything together in ^(N)perfect harmony. ¹⁵ And let ^(O)the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called ^(P)in one body. And ^(Q)be thankful. ¹⁶ Let ^(R)the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, ^(S)singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, ^(T)with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ¹⁷ And ^(U)whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, ^(V)giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Rules for Christian Households

^18 (W)Wives, submit to your husbands, as ^(X)is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives, and ^(Y)do not be harsh with them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents ^(Z)in everything, for this pleases the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. ²² Bondservants, obey ^(AA)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 (AB)Whatever you do, work heartily, ^(AC)as for the Lord and not for men, ²⁴ knowing that from the Lord ^(AD)you will receive the inheritance as your reward. ^(AE)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 bondservants^[c] justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Further Instructions

^2 (AF)Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it ^(AG)with thanksgiving. ³ At the same time, pray also for us, that God may ^(AH)open to us a door for the word, ^(AI)to declare the mystery of Christ, ^(AJ)on account of which I am in prison—