¹³ As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard^[a] and to everyone else that I am in chains^(A) for Christ.

⁹ for which I am suffering^(A) even to the point of being chained^(B) like a criminal. But God’s word^(C) is not chained.

God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner^(A) of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

⁷ It is right^(A) for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart^(B) and, whether I am in chains^(C) or defending^(D) and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.

²⁰ for which I am an ambassador^(A) in chains.^(B) Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

²⁹ Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”^(A)

Suffering for Being a Christian

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you^(A) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice^(B) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,^(C) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.^{(D) 14} If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,^(E) you are blessed,^(F) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.^(G)

³ And pray for us, too, that God may open a door^(A) for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery^(B) of Christ, for which I am in chains.^{(C) 4} Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. ⁵ Be wise^(D) in the way you act toward outsiders;^(E) make the most of every opportunity.^{(F) 6} Let your conversation be always full of grace,^(G) seasoned with salt,^(H) so that you may know how to answer everyone.^(I)

Final Greetings

⁷ Tychicus^(J) will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant^[a](K) in the Lord. ⁸ I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our^[b] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.^{(L) 9} He is coming with Onesimus,^(M) our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you.^(N) They will tell you everything that is happening here.

¹⁰ My fellow prisoner Aristarchus^(O) sends you his greetings, as does Mark,^(P) the cousin of Barnabas.^(Q) (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) ¹¹ Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews^[c] among my co-workers^(R) for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. ¹² Epaphras,^(S) who is one of you^(T) and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you,^(U) that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature^(V) and fully assured. ¹³ I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea^(W) and Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Our dear friend Luke,^(X) the doctor, and Demas^(Y) send greetings. ¹⁵ Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea,^(Z) and to Nympha and the church in her house.^(AA)

¹⁶ After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read^(AB) in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

¹⁷ Tell Archippus:^(AC) “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”^(AD)

¹⁸ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.^(AE) Remember^(AF) my chains.^(AG) Grace be with you.^(AH)

²² All God’s people^(A) here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.