1Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven. | 1Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven. |
2Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. | 2Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. |
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. | 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. |
4Pray that I may make it known as I should. | 4Pray that I may make it known as I should. |
5Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities. | 5Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities. |
6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone. | 6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone. |
7Tychicus, a dear brother, faithful minister, 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 sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are doing and 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. |
9I sent him with Onesimus, the faithful and dear 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, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you 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 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. | 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 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. | 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 can testify that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. | 13For I can testify that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. |
14Our dear friend Luke the physician and Demas greet you. | 14Our dear friend Luke the physician and Demas greet you. |
15Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. | 15Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. |
16And after you have read this letter, have it read to the church of Laodicea. In turn, read the letter from Laodicea as well. | 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, "See to it that you complete the ministry you received in the Lord." | 17And tell Archippus, "See to it that you complete the ministry you received in the Lord." |
18I, Paul, write this greeting by my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. | 18I, Paul, write this greeting by my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. |
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