1 ¶ Masters, do that which is just and right with your slaves, knowing that ye also 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 ¶ Persevere in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving,

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

3 p raying also together for us that God would open unto us the door of the word, to speak the mystery of the Christ, for which I am also in bonds,

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 make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

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

5 ¶ Walk in wisdom towards outsiders, winning the occasion.

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

6 L et your word be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one.

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 ¶ All my affairs shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother and a faithful servant and fellow slave 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 w hom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your affairs and comfort 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 w ith Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all the things which are happening 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 fellowprisoner, salutes you, and Mark, nephew to Barnabas, (concerning whom ye have received commandments, if he comes unto you, receive him),

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, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, who have been a comfort unto 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 you, a slave of Christ, salutes you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand firm, perfect and fulfilled in all the will of 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 witness of him, that he has a great zeal for you and those that are 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, greet you.

Luke, the dear doctor, and Demas say hello.

15 S alute the brethren who are in Laodicea and Nymphas and the congregation which is in his 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 is read among you, cause that it be read also in the congregation of the Laodiceans, and that ye likewise read the epistle 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, Take heed to fulfil the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord.

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

18 T he salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

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.