1 M asters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Masters, deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that also you have a Master in heaven.

2 C ontinue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer, being alert and intent in with thanksgiving.

3 w ithal 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:

And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ (the Messiah) on account of which I am in prison;

4 t hat I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

That I may proclaim it fully and make it clear, as is my duty.

5 W alk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Behave yourselves wisely in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity.

6 L et your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned with salt, to know how you ought to answer anyone.

7 A ll my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

Tychicus will give you full information about my affairs; a much-loved brother and faithful ministering assistant and fellow servant in the Lord.

8 w hom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are faring and that he may comfort and cheer and encourage your hearts.

9 w ith Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

And with Onesimus, faithful and beloved brother, who is of yourselves. They will let you know everything that has taken place here.

10 A ristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner wishes to be remembered to you, as does Mark the relative of Barnabas. You received instructions concerning him; if he comes to you give him a '> hearty] welcome.

11 a nd Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

And Jesus, who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcision are among my fellow workers for God’s kingdom, and they have proved a relief and a comfort to me.

12 E paphras, 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.

Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. always striving for you earnestly in his prayers, that you may stand firm and mature, convinced and fully assured in everything willed by God.

13 F or I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

For I bear him testimony that he has labored hard in your behalf and for in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.

14 L uke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

Luke the beloved physician and Demas salute you.

15 S alute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

Give my greetings to the brethren at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the assembly (the church) which meets in her house.

16 A nd 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.

And when this epistle has been read before you, that it is read also in the assembly (the church) of the Laodiceans, and also that you yourselves in turn read the from Laodicea.

17 A nd say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

And say to Archippus, See that you discharge carefully the ministry and fulfill the stewardship which you have received in the Lord.

18 T he salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to the Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.

I, Paul, greeting, writing with my own hand. Remember I am still in prison and in chains. May grace (God’s unmerited favor and blessing) be with you! Amen (so be it).