1Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.2Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;3Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:4That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.7All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:8Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;9With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.10Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)11And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.13For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.15Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.16And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.18The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
Colossians 4
New International Reader’s Version
1Masters, give your slaves what is right and fair. Do it because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
More teachings
2Give a lot of time and effort to prayer. Always be watchful and thankful.3Pray for us too. Pray that God will give us an opportunity to preach our message. Then we can preach the mystery of Christ. Because I preached it, I am being held by chains.4Pray that I will preach it clearly, as I should.5Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders. Make the most of every opportunity.6Let the words you speak always be full of grace. Learn how to make your words what people want to hear. Then you will know how to answer everyone.
Final greetings
7Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother. He is a faithful worker. He serves the Lord together with us.8I am sending him to you for one reason. I want you to know what is happening here. I want him to encourage you and make your hearts strong.9He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother. He is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.10Aristarchus is in prison with me. He sends you his greetings. So does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. You have been given directions about him. If he comes to you, welcome him.11Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. They are the only Jews who have worked together with me for God’s kingdom. They have been a comfort to me.12Epaphras sends greetings. He is one of you. He serves Christ Jesus. He is always praying hard for you. He prays that you will hold on tightly to all that God has in mind for us. He prays that you will keep growing in your knowledge of what God wants. He also prays that you will be completely sure about it.13I am happy to tell you that he is working very hard for you. He is also working hard for everyone in Laodicea and Hierapolis.14Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, sends greetings. So does Demas.15Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea. Also give my greetings to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.16After this letter has been read to you, send it on. Be sure that it is also read to the church in Laodicea. And be sure that you read the letter from Laodicea.17Tell Archippus, ‘Be sure that you complete the work the Lord gave you to do.’18I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. Remember that I am being held by chains. May grace be with you.