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Colossians 4

1 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Christian Graces

2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Final Greetings

7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.

Closing Exhortations and Blessing

16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.18 This salutation by my own handPaul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

COLOSSIANS 4

1  t Slave owners, be fair and honest with your slaves. Don't forget that you have a Master in heaven.
2 Never give up praying. And when you pray, keep alert and be thankful. 3 Be sure to pray that God will make a way for us to spread his message and explain the mystery about Christ, even though I am in jail for doing this.

4 Please pray that I will make the message as clear as possible.
5  t When you are with unbelievers, always make good use of the time.

6 t Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions.

Final Greetings


7  t t Tychicus is the dear friend, who faithfully works and serves the Lord with us, and he will give you the news about me. 8 I am sending him to cheer you up by telling you how we are getting along.

9 t Onesimus, the dear and faithful follower from your own group, is coming with him. The two of them will tell you everything that has happened here.
10  t Aristarchus is in jail with me. He sends greetings to you, and so does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. You have already been told to welcome Mark, if he visits you.

11 Jesus, who is known as Justus, sends his greetings. These three men are the only Jewish followers who have worked with me for the kingdom of God. They have given me much comfort.
12  t Your own Epaphras, who serves Christ Jesus, sends his greetings. He always prays hard that you may fully know what the Lord wants you to do and that you may do it completely.

13 I have seen how much trouble he has gone through for you and for the followers in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

14  t Our dear doctor Luke sends you his greetings, and so does Demas.

15 Give my greetings to the followers at Laodicea, especially to Nympha and the church that meets in her home.

16 After this letter has been read to your people, be sure to have it read in the church at Laodicea. And you should read the letter that I have sent to them.t

17  t Remind Archippus to do the work that the Lord has given him to do.

18 I am signing this letter myself: PAUL.
Don't forget that I am in jail.
I pray that God will be kind to you.