| Holman Christian Standard Bible | NET Bible |
| 1Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven. | 1Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven. |
| 2Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. | 2Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. |
| 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, | 3At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. |
| 4so that I may reveal it as I am required to speak. | 4Pray that I may make it known as I should. |
| 5Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. | 5Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities. |
| 6Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. | 6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone. |
| 7Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful servant, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. | 7Tychicus, a dear brother, faithful minister, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. |
| 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. | 8I sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your hearts. |
| 9He is with Onesimus, a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here. | 9I sent him with Onesimus, the faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here. |
| 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), | 10Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him). |
| 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. | 11And Jesus who is called Justus also sends greetings. In terms of Jewish converts, these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. |
| 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. | 12Epaphras, who is one of you and a slave of Christ, greets you. He is always struggling in prayer on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. |
| 13For I testify about him that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. | 13For I can testify that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. |
| 14Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas greet you. | 14Our dear friend Luke the physician and Demas greet you. |
| 15Give my greetings to the brothers in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home. | 15Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. |
| 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. | 16And after you have read this letter, have it read to the church of Laodicea. In turn, read the letter from Laodicea as well. |
| 17And tell Archippus, "Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it." | 17And tell Archippus, "See to it that you complete the ministry you received in the Lord." |
| 18This greeting is in my own hand--Paul. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you. | 18I, Paul, write this greeting by my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. |
|
