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Colossians 4

New International Version

1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. 



2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 



7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant[1] in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our[2] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (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[3] among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus: ‘See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.’ 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. 

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Colossians 4

English Standard Version

1 Masters, treat your bondservants[1] justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. 



2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Eph 6:18; Col 2:7) 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— (Ac 14:27; Ro 16:25; Eph 6:20; Php 1:7; Col 4:18) 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. (Mr 4:11; Eph 5:15) 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Mr 9:50; Col 3:16; 1Pe 3:15) 



7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant[2] in the Lord. (Eph 6:21) 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. (Phm 1:10; Phm 1:16) 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), (Ac 15:37; Ac 15:39; Ac 19:29; Ac 20:4; Ac 27:2; Ro 16:7; 2Ti 4:11; Phm 1:24) 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. (Ac 1:23; Ac 11:2; Ac 18:7; Phm 1:7) 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. (Mt 5:48; Ro 15:30; Col 1:7; Phm 1:23) 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. (Ac 16:10; 2Ti 4:10; 2Ti 4:11; Phm 1:24) 15 Give my greetings to the brothers[3] at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. (Ro 16:5) 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. (1Th 5:27) 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” (2Ti 4:5; Phm 1:2) 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. (1Co 16:21; Php 1:7; Col 4:3; 1Ti 6:21; 2Ti 4:22; Tit 3:15; Heb 13:3) 

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The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.