1 M asters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you 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 steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;

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

3 p raying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, 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 reveal it 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.

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 affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant 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 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 t ogether with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on 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, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, “if he comes to 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 who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for God’s Kingdom who are of the circumcision, men who have been 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 servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his 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 testify about him, that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for 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 brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that 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 W hen this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the letter 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 T ell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you 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 he salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand: remember my bonds. 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).