Speaking to God and Others

² Devote yourselves^(A) to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. ³ At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door^(B) to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ,^(C) for which I am in chains,^{(D) 4} so that I may make it known as I should. ⁵ Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.^{(E) 6} Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt,^(F) so that you may know how you should answer each person.^(G)

Final Greetings

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

¹⁰ Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark,^(M) Barnabas’s^(N) cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), ¹¹ and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcised are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. ¹² Epaphras,^(O) who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling^(P) for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured^[b] in everything God wills.^{(Q) 13} For I testify about him that he works hard^[c](R) for you, for those in Laodicea,^(S) and for those in Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas^(T) send you greetings. ¹⁵ Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home.^{(U) 16} After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. ¹⁷ And tell Archippus,^(V) “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.”^(W)

¹⁸ I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains.^(X) Grace be with you.^[d](Y)

⁶ Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses^(A) all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.^(B)