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

Owners, give your servants what is right. Do the same for all. Remember that your Owner is in heaven. Some Things to Do

2 B e earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer, being alert and intent in with thanksgiving.

You must keep praying. Keep watching! Be thankful always.

3 A nd 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;

As you pray, be sure to pray for us also. Pray that God will open the door for us to preach the Word. We want to tell the secret of Christ. And this is the reason I am in prison.

4 T hat I may proclaim it fully and make it clear, as is my duty.

Pray that I will be able to preach so everyone can understand. This is the way I should speak.

5 B ehave 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.

Be wise in the way you live around those who are not Christians. Make good use of your time.

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

Speak with them in such a way they will want to listen to you. Do not let your talk sound foolish. Know how to give the right answer to anyone. Paul’s Helpers Say Hello

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

Tychicus will tell you how I am getting along. He is a much-loved brother and faithful helper. Both of us are owned by the Lord.

8 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.

This is the reason I have sent him to you. It is so you can know about us. He can also bring joy to your hearts.

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

Onesimus is going with Tychicus. He is one of your own people. He is faithful and we love him very much. They will tell you about everything here.

10 A ristarchus 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.

One of the men here in prison with me is Aristarchus. He says hello you. Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, says hello. (You have heard before that if he comes to you, you are to receive him and make him happy.)

11 A nd 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.

Jesus Justus says hello also. These are the only Jewish workers helping me teach about the holy nation of God. What a help they have been to me!

12 E paphras, 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.

Epaphras says hello. He is one of your people and a servant of Jesus Christ. As he prays for you, he asks God to help you to be strong and to make you perfect. He prays that you will know what God wants you to do in all things.

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

I can tell you for sure that he works hard for you and for the Christians in the cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis.

14 L uke the beloved physician and Demas salute you.

Luke, the dear doctor, and Demas say hello.

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

Greet all the Christians in Laodicea. Greet Nympha and the Christians who gather for church in her house.

16 A nd 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.

When this letter has been read to you, have it read in the church in Laodicea also. Be sure you read the letter that is coming from Laodicea.

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

Tell Archippus to be sure to finish the work the Lord called him to do.

18 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).

I, Paul, am writing this last part with my own hand. Do not forget that I am in prison. May you have God’s loving-favor.