41 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
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. 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 hand--Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
41 Masters, give your servants what is right and equal, conscious that you have a Master in heaven.
2 Give yourselves to prayer at all times, keeping watch with praise; 3 And making prayer for us, that God may give us an open door for the preaching of the word, the secret of Christ, for which I am now in chains; 4 So that I may make it clear, as it is right for me to do.
5 Be wise in your behaviour to those who are outside, making good use of the time. 6 Let your talk be with grace, mixed with salt, so that you may be able to give an answer to everyone.
Final Greetings
7 Tychicus will give you news of all my business: he is a dear brother and true servant and helper in the word; 8 And I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may have news of how we are, and so that he may give your hearts comfort; 9 And with him I have sent Onesimus, the true and well-loved brother, who is one of you. They will give you word of everything which is taking place here. 10 Aristarchus, my brother-prisoner, sends his love to you, and Mark, a relation of Barnabas (about whom you have been given orders: if he comes to you, be kind to him), 11 And Jesus, whose other name is Justus; these are of the circumcision: they are my only brother-workers for the kingdom of God, who have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his love, ever taking thought for you in his prayers, that you may be complete and fully certain of all the purpose of God. 13 For I give witness of him that he has undergone much trouble for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, our well-loved medical friend, and Demas, send you their love. 15 Give my love to the brothers in Laodicea and to Nymphas and the church in their house. 16 And when this letter has been made public among you, let the same be done in the church of Laodicea; and see that you have the letter from Laodicea. 17 Say to Archippus, See that you do the work which the Lord has given you to do. 18 I, Paul, give you this word of love in my handwriting. Keep in memory that I am a prisoner. Grace be with you.
41 And masters, treat your servants considerately. Be fair with them. Don't forget for a minute that you, too, serve a Master - God in heaven.
2 Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. 3 Don't forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I'm locked up in this jail. 4 Pray that every time I open my mouth I'll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.
5 Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. 6 Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.
Final Greetings
7 My good friend Tychicus will tell you all about me. He's a trusted minister and companion in the service of the Master. 8 I've sent him to you so that you would know how things are with us, and so he could encourage you in your faith. 9 And I've sent Onesimus with him. Onesimus is one of you, and has become such a trusted and dear brother! Together they'll bring you up-to-date on everything that has been going on here. 10 Aristarchus, who is in jail here with me, sends greetings; also Mark, cousin of Barnabas (you received a letter regarding him; if he shows up, welcome him); 11 and also Jesus, the one they call Justus. These are the only ones left from the old crowd who have stuck with me in working for God's kingdom. Don't think they haven't been a big help! 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, says hello. What a trooper he has been! He's been tireless in his prayers for you, praying that you'll stand firm, mature and confident in everything God wants you to do. 13 I've watched him closely, and can report on how hard he has worked for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Luke, good friend and physician, and Demas both send greetings. 15 Say hello to our friends in Laodicea; also to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. 16 After this letter has been read to you, make sure it gets read also in Laodicea. And get the letter that went to Laodicea and have it read to you. 17 And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, "Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best." 18 I'm signing off in my own handwriting - Paul. Remember to pray for me in this jail. Grace be with you.
