[1] Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also
have a Master in heaven. [2] Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful
in it with thanksgiving; [3] and pray for us also, 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, [4] that I may make it clear, as I ought to speak. [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 every one. [7] Tych'icus will tell you all
about my affairs; he is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow
servant in the Lord. [8] I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that
you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, [9] and with
him Ones'imus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of yourselves.
They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. [10]
Aristar'chus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas
(concerning whom you have received instructions--if he comes to you,
receive him), [11] and 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. [12] Ep'aphras, who is one of yourselves, a
servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always remembering you earnestly in
his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of
God. [13] For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for
those in La-odice'a and in Hi-erap'olis. [14] Luke the beloved physician
and Demas greet you. [15] Give my greetings to the brethren at La-odice'a,
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 La-odice'ans;
and see that you read also the letter from La-odice'a. [17] And say to
Archip'pus, "See that you fulfil the ministry which you have received in
the Lord." [18] I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my
fetters. Grace be with you.
