1Masters, be just and fair to your slaves because you know that you also have a master in heaven.

2Keep praying. Pay attention when you offer prayers of thanksgiving. 3At the same time also pray for us. Pray that God will give us an opportunity to speak the word so that we may tell the mystery about Christ. It is because of this mystery that I am a prisoner. 4Pray that I may make this mystery as clear as possible. This is what I have to do.

5Be wise in the way you act toward those who are outside [the Christian faith]. Make the most of your opportunities. 6Everything you say should be kind and well thought out so that you know how to answer everyone.

7I'm sending Tychicus to you. He is our dear brother, trustworthy deacon, and partner in the Lord's work. He will tell you everything that is happening to me. 8I'm sending him to you so that you may know how we are doing and so that he may encourage you. 9I'm sending Onesimus with him. Onesimus is from your city and is our faithful and dear brother. They will tell you about everything that's happening here.

10Aristarchus, who is a prisoner like me, sends greetings. So does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. You have received instructions about Mark. If he comes to you, welcome him. 11Jesus, called Justus, also greets you. They are the only converts from the Jewish religion who are working with me for God's kingdom. They have provided me with comfort. 12Epaphras, a servant of Christ Jesus from your city, greets you. He always prays intensely for you. He prays that you will continue to be mature and completely convinced of everything that God wants. 13I assure you that he works hard for you and the people in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14My dear friend Luke, the physician, and Demas greet you. 15Greet our brothers and sisters in Laodicea, especially Nympha and the church that meets in her house.

16After you have read this letter, read it in the church at Laodicea. Make sure that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17Tell Archippus to complete all the work that he started as the Lord's servant.

18I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. Remember that I'm a prisoner. God's good will be with you.