| 1 | Masters, [on your part] deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that also you have a Master in heaven. |
| 2 | Be earnest
and
unwearied
and
steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert
and
intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving. |
| 3 | 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 | That I may proclaim it fully
and
make it clear [speak boldly and unfold that mystery], as is my duty. |
| 5 | Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] 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 | Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you]. |
| 7 | Tychicus will give you full information about my affairs; [he is] a much-loved brother and faithful ministering assistant and fellow servant [with us] in 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. |
| 9 | And with [him is] Onesimus, [our] faithful and beloved brother, who is [one] of yourselves. They will let you know everything that has taken place here [in Rome]. |
| 10 | 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 [
[a]hearty] welcome. |
| 11 | And [greetings also from] Jesus, who is called Justus. These [Hebrew Christians] alone of the circumcision are among my fellow workers for [the extension of] God’s kingdom, and they have proved a relief
and
a comfort to me. |
| 12 | Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. [He is] always striving for you earnestly in his prayers, [pleading] that you may [as persons of ripe character and clear conviction] stand firm
and
mature [in spiritual growth], convinced
and
fully assured in
[b]everything willed by God. |
| 13 | For I bear him testimony that he has labored hard in your behalf and for [the believers] in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis. |
| 14 | Luke the beloved physician and Demas salute you. |
| 15 | Give my greetings to the brethren at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the assembly (the church) which meets in her house. |
| 16 | And when this epistle has been read before you, [see] that it is read also in the assembly (the church) of the Laodiceans, and also [see] that you yourselves in turn read the [letter that comes to you] from Laodicea. |
| 17 | And say to Archippus, See that you discharge carefully [the duties of] the ministry
and
fulfill the stewardship which you have received in the Lord. |
| 18 | I, Paul, [add this final] 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).
|
Cross references:
-
Colossians 4:1 : Lev. 25:43, 53.
|