1 | Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. |
2 | Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving; |
3 | and pray for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison, |
4 | that I may make it clear, as I ought to speak. |
5 | Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. |
6 | Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer every one. |
7 | Tych'icus will tell you all about my affairs; he is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. |
8 | I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, |
9 | and with him Ones'imus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of yourselves. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. |
10 | Aristar'chus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions -- if he comes to you, receive him), |
11 | and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. |
12 | Ep'aphras, who is one of yourselves, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always remembering you earnestly in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. |
13 | For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in La-odice'a and in Hi-erap'olis. |
14 | Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. |
15 | Give my greetings to the brethren at La-odice'a, and to Nympha and the church in her house. |
16 | And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the La-odice'ans; and see that you read also the letter from La-odice'a. |
17 | And say to Archip'pus, "See that you fulfil the ministry which you have received in the Lord." |
18 | I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my fetters. Grace be with you. |