¹³ so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard^[a] and ^(A)to all the rest that ^(B)my imprisonment is for Christ.

^9 (A)for which I am suffering, ^(B)bound with chains as a criminal. But ^(C)the word of God is not bound!

The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed

3 For this reason I, Paul, ^(A)a prisoner of Christ Jesus ^(B)on behalf of you Gentiles—

⁷ It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you ^(A)in my heart, for you are all ^(B)partakers with me of grace,^[a] both ^(C)in my imprisonment and in ^(D)the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

²⁰ for which I ^(A)am an ambassador ^(B)in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

²⁹ And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day ^(A)might become such as I am—except for ^(B)these chains.”

Suffering as a Christian

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at ^(A)the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice ^(B)insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad ^(C)when his glory is revealed. ^14 (D)If you are insulted ^(E)for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory^[a] and of God rests upon you. ¹⁵ But ^(F)let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or ^(G)as a meddler. ¹⁶ Yet ^(H)if anyone suffers as a ^(I)Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God ^(J)in that name.

³ At the same time, pray also for us, that God may ^(A)open to us a door for the word, ^(B)to declare the mystery of Christ, ^(C)on account of which I am in prison— ⁴ that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

^5 (D)Walk in wisdom toward ^(E)outsiders, making the best use of the time. ⁶ Let your speech always ^(F)be gracious, ^(G)seasoned with salt, ^(H)so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Final Greetings

⁷ Tychicus will tell you ^(I)all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant^[a] in the Lord. ⁸ I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, ⁹ and with him ^(J)Onesimus, our faithful and ^(K)beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

^10 (L)Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark ^(M)the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—^(N)if he comes to you, welcome him), ¹¹ and Jesus who is called ^(O)Justus. ^(P)These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and ^(Q)they have been a comfort to me. ^12 (R)Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always ^(S)struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand ^(T)mature and fully assured in all the will of God. ¹³ For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. ^14 (U)Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does ^(V)Demas. ¹⁵ Give my greetings to the brothers^[b] at Laodicea, and to Nympha and ^(W)the church in her house. ¹⁶ And when ^(X)this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. ¹⁷ And say to ^(Y)Archippus, “See that you fulfill ^(Z)the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”

¹⁸ I, Paul, ^(AA)write this greeting with my own hand. ^(AB)Remember ^(AC)my chains. ^(AD)Grace be with you.

^22 (A)All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.