Colossians 3-4

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

The New Life in Christ

3 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.^{(A) 2} Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth, ³ for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.^{(B) 4} When Christ who is your^[a] life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.^(C)

⁵ Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry).^{(D) 6} On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient.^{[b](E) 7} These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life.^{[c] 8} But now you must get rid of all such things: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive^[d] language from your mouth.^{(F) 9} Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator.^{(G) 11} In that renewal^[e] there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, enslaved and free, but Christ is all and in all!^(H)

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.^{(I) 13} Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord^[f] has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ¹⁴ Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵ And let the peace of Christ^[g] rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.^{(J) 16} Let the word of Christ^[h] 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.^{[i](K) 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.^(L)

Rules for Christian Households

¹⁸ Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.^{(M) 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.^{(N) 21} Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart. ²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters^[j] in everything, not with a slavery performed merely for looks, to please people, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.^{[k](O) 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.^{(P) 25} For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong has been done, and there is no partiality.^(Q) 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.^{(R) 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,^{(S) 4} so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.

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

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.^{(V) 8} I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are^[m] 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.^(W)

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.^{(X) 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,^[n] greets you. He is always striving in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured^[o] in everything that God wills.^{(Y) 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.^{(Z) 15} Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church in her^[p] house.^{(AA) 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.”^(AB)

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