Children and Parents
(Colossians 3:18–21)

1Children, obey your⁺ parents in the Lord {Kyriō}, for this is right. 2“Honor your father {patera} and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3“that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth <Exo 20:12>.”a

4Fathers {pateres}, do not provoke your⁺ children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord {Kyriou}.

Serving with Honor
(Colossians 3:22–25; 1 Timothy 6:1–2)

5Slaves {douloi}, obey your⁺ earthly masters {kyriois} with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you⁺ would obey Christ (the Anointed One). 6And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ (the Anointed One), doing the will of God {Theou} from your heart {psychēs}. 7Serve with good will, as to the Lord {Kyriō} and not to men, 8because you know that the Lord {Kyriou} will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave {doulos} or free.

9And masters {kyrioi}, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master {Kyrios} and yours⁺ is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.

The Full Armor of God

10Finally, be strong in the Lord {Kyriō} and in His mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God {Theou}, so that you⁺ can make your stand against the devil’s {diabolou} schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

13Therefore take up the full armor of God {Theou}, so that when the day of evil comes, you⁺ will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your⁺ waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel (good news) of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you⁺ can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit {Pneumatos}, which is the word {rhēma} of God {Theou}.

18Pray in the Spirit {Pneumati} at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints (holy ones). 19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel (good news), 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.

Final Greetings
(Philippians 4:21–23; 2 Timothy 4:19–22)

21Tychicus, the beloved {agapētos} brother and faithful servant {diakonos} in the Lord {Kyriō}, will tell you⁺ everything, so that you⁺ also may know about me and what I am doing. 22I have sent him to you⁺ for this very purpose, that you⁺ may know about us, and that he may encourage your⁺ hearts.

23Peace to the brothers (and sisters) and love {agapē} with faith from God {Theou} the Father and the Lord {Kyriou} Jesus (YHWH saves) Christ (the Anointed One).

24Grace to all who love {agapōntōn} our Lord {Kyrion} Jesus (YHWH saves) Christ (the Anointed One) with an undying love.