1 Masters, treat your slaves
justly and fairly, for you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
2 Devote yourselves to prayer,
keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time pray for us as
well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare
the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, 4 so that I may reveal
it clearly, as I should. 5 Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders,
making the most of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious,
seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer
everyone.
7 Tychicus will tell you all
the news about me; he is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a
fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very
purpose, so that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your
hearts; 9 he is coming with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother,
who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
10 Aristarchus my fellow
prisoner greets you, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas, concerning
whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him. 11
And Jesus who is called Justus greets you. These are the only ones of
the circumcision among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they
have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of
Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always wrestling in his prayers on your
behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in everything
that God wills. 13 For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you
and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved
physician, and Demas greet you. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and
sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And
when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the
church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from
Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you complete the task that
you have received in the Lord.”
18 I, Paul, write this greeting
with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. |