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Colossians 4

1 You masters, supply your servants with what is just and equitable, knowing that you, too, have a Master in heaven.2 Pursue prayer. Be watchful in prayer with acts of thanksgiving.3 Pray together, for us also, so that God may open a door of speech to us, so as to speak the mystery of Christ, (because of which, even now, I am in chains)4 so that I may manifest it in the manner that I ought to speak.5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming this age.6 Let your speech be ever graceful, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to respond to each person.7 As for the things that concern me, Tychicus, a most beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord, will make everything known to you.8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that he may know the things that concern you, and may console your hearts,9 with Onesimus, a most beloved and faithful brother, who is from among you. They shall make known to you everything that is happening here.10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as does Mark, the near cousin of Barnabas, about whom you have received instructions, (if he comes to you, receive him)11 and Jesus, who is called Justus, and those who are of the circumcision. These alone are my assistants, unto the kingdom of God; they have been a consolation to me.12 Epaphras greets you, who is from among you, a servant of Christ Jesus, ever solicitous for you in prayer, so that you may stand, perfect and complete, in the entire will of God.13 For I offer testimony to him, that he has labored greatly for you, and for those who are at Laodicea, and for those at Hierapolis.14 Luke, a most beloved physician, greets you, as does Demas.15 Greet the brothers who are at Laodicea, and Nymphas, and those who are at his house, a church.16 And when this epistle has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and you should read that which is from the Laodiceans.17 And tell Archippus: “See to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, in order to fulfill it.”18 The greeting of Paul by my own hand. Remember my chains. May grace be with you. Amen.

Colossians 4

Exhortation to Households

1 Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven.

Exhortation to Pray for the Success of Paul’s Mission

2 Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.3 At the same time prayt for us too, thatt God may open a door for the messaget so that we may proclaimt the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.t4 Pray that I may make it known as I should.t5 Conduct yourselvest with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities.

6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.

Personal Greetings and Instructions

7 Tychicus, a dear brother, faithful minister, and fellow slavet in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.t8 I sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are doingt and that he may encourage your hearts.

9 I sent himt with Onesimus, the faithful and dear brother, who is one of you.t They will tellt you about everything here.
10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him).11 And Jesus who is called Justus also sends greetings. In terms of Jewish converts,t these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a slavet of Christ,s greets you. He is always struggling in prayer on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assuredt in all the will of God.13 For I can testify that he has worked hardt for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.14 Our dear friend Luke the physician and Demas greet you.15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisterst who are in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in hers house.t16 And aftert you have read this letter, have it readt to the church of Laodicea. In turn, read the letter from Laodiceas as well.

17 And tell Archippus, “See to it that you complete the ministry you received in the Lord.”

18 I, Paul, write this greeting by my own hand.t Remember my chains.t Grace be with you.s