Colossians 4
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English Standard VersionHolman Christian Standard Bible
1Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.1Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.
2Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.2Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.
3At the same time, pray also for us, 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—3At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the message, to speak the mystery of the Messiah, for which I am in prison,
4that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.4so that I may reveal it as I am required to speak.
5Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.5Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.
6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.6Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.
7Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.7Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful servant, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
8I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,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.
9and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.9He is with Onesimus, a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
10Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him),10Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as does Mark, Barnabas's cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),
11and 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.11and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcision are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.12Epaphras, who is one of you, a slave of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always contending for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills.
13For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.13For I testify about him that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.
14Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.14Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas greet you.
15Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.15Give my greetings to the brothers in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home.
16And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.16When this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.
17And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”17And tell Archippus, "Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it."
18I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.18This greeting is in my own hand--Paul. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.
ESV Text Edition: 2016. The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.
Colossians 3
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