NIV
Colossians 4
- 1<pb/>Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
- 2<pb/>Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
- 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
- 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
- 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
- 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
- 7<pb/>Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant<f>[16]</f> in the Lord.
- 8I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our<f>[17]</f> circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
- 9He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
- 10<pb/>My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)
- 11Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews<f>[18]</f> among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.
- 12Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
- 13I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
- 14Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.
- 15Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
- 16<pb/>After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
- 17<pb/>Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
- 18<pb/>I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.