1 M asters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Christian Graces

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

2 C ontinue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

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

3 m eanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,

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 those who are outside, 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 always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Final Greetings

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

7 T ychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.

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

8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances 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 will make known to you all things which are happening 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 fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome 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 who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to 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 bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you 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 witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those 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 G reet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house. Closing Exhortations and Blessing

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

16 N ow when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you 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 you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill 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 his salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

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).