The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians

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- Chapter 4 -

Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,

as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.

Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Greetings from Paul’s Fellow Workers

(Romans 16:21–23)

Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord.

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.

With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him.

Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God.

For I testify about him that he goes to great pains for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.

Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings.

Signature and Final Instructions

(1 Corinthians 16:19–24; 2 Thessalonians 3:16–18)

Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house.

After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.(a)

Footnotes

(a)4:18 BYZ and TR include Amen.

Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving,

praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds,

that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Greetings from Paul’s Fellow Workers

(Romans 16:21–23)

All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord.

I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,

together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here.

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received instructions, “if he comes to you, receive him”),

and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for God’s Kingdom who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me.

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

For I testify about him that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.

Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.

Signature and Final Instructions

(1 Corinthians 16:19–24; 2 Thessalonians 3:16–18)

Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, with Nymphas and the assembly that is in his house.

When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

Tell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.”

I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.