¹Masters, deal with your slaves justly and fairly, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.[#4:1 Col 3:22]

Speaking to God and Others

²Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.[#4:2 Rm 12:12]

³At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains,[#4:3 Ac 14:27; 1Co 16:9; 2Co 2:12; #4:3 1Co 2:7; Eph 3:4; 5:2; #4:3 Ac 27:2; 28:16,30; Eph 6:18–20]

⁴so that I may make it known as I should.

⁵Act wisely towards outsiders, making the most of the time.[#4:5 Eph 5:15–17]

⁶Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.[#4:6 Mk 9:50; Lk 14:34; #4:6 1Pt 3:15]

Final Greetings

⁷Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.[#4:7 Ac 20:4; Ti 3:12; #4:7 Nm 23:19]

⁸I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts.[#4:8 Other mss read that he may know how you are; #4:8 Lk 16:25; #4:8 Eph 6:21–22; Col 2:2]

⁹He is coming with Onesimus, a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.[#4:9 Phm 10,16]

¹⁰Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),[#4:10 Phm 24; #4:10 Ac 4:36]

¹¹and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcised are my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

¹²Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills.[#4:12 Col 1:7; Phm 23; #4:12 Jd 3; #4:12 Other mss read and complete; #4:12 Gl 1:4; Eph 1:9]

¹³For I testify about him that he works hard , for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.[#4:13 Other mss read he has a great zeal; #4:13 Jd 3; #4:13 Col 2:1]

¹⁴Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas send you greetings.[#4:14 2Tm 4:10]

¹⁵Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home.[#4:15 Ac 12:12; Rm 16:5]

¹⁶After this letter has been read at your gathering, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

¹⁷And tell Archippus, ‘Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.’[#4:17 Phm 2; #4:17 2Tm 4:5]

¹⁸I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. ,[#4:18 Php 1:7; #4:18 Other mss add Amen.; #4:18 1Tm 6:21; 2Tm 4:22; Ti 3:15]