Study Desk

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair,^(a) because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Further Instructions

Devote yourselves to prayer,^(b) being watchful and thankful.

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door^(c) for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery^(d) of Christ, for which I am in chains.^(e)

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

Be wise^(f) in the way you act toward outsiders;^(g) make the most of every opportunity.^(h)

Let your conversation be always full of grace,⁽ⁱ⁾ seasoned with salt,^(j) so that you may know how to answer everyone.^(k)

Tychicus^(l) will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant^[a](m) in the Lord.

I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our^[b] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.⁽ⁿ⁾

He is coming with Onesimus,^(o) our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you.^(p) They will tell you everything that is happening here.

My fellow prisoner Aristarchus^(q) sends you his greetings, as does Mark,^(r) the cousin of Barnabas.^(s) (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)

Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews^[c] among my co-workers^(t) for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.

Epaphras,^(u) who is one of you^(v) and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you,^(w) that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature^(x) and fully assured.

I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea^(y) and Hierapolis.

Our dear friend Luke,^(z) the doctor, and Demas^(aa) send greetings.

Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea,^(ab) and to Nympha and the church in her house.^(ac)

After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read^(ad) in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

Tell Archippus:^(ae) "See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord."^(af)

I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.^(ag) Remember^(ah) my chains.^(ai) Grace be with you.^(aj)