The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians

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- Chapter 4 -

Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly supply what they need, because you know that you also have a master who is in heaven.

Keep praying without stopping. Do not be lazy, but instead keep praying and thanking God.

Pray together for us too, so that God will make it possible for us to freely explain the good news, the secret about Messiah that God is now revealing everywhere. It is because we proclaimed this good news that I am now in prison.

Pray that I might be able to fully explain the good news.

Live wisely around those who are not believers, and make each moment valuable by using it wisely.

Always speak graciously and in a pleasant and interesting way to those who do not believe in the Lord Jesus. Then you will know how to speak to each person about the Lord.

Greetings from Paul’s Fellow Workers

(Romans 16:21–23)

Tychicus will tell you everything that has been happening to me. He is a fellow believer whom I love, who helps me faithfully, and who serves the Lord Jesus together with me.

The reason that I am sending Tychicus to you with this letter is that you might know about us and that he might encourage you.

I am sending him to you with Onesimus, who is a faithful fellow believer, whom I love and who is your fellow townsman. They will tell you all about what has been happening here.

Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, and Mark, who is Barnabas’ cousin, greet you. I have instructed you about Mark, so if he comes to you, welcome him.

Jesus, who is also named Justus, greets you, too. These three men are the only Jewish believers working with me to proclaim God as king through Messiah Jesus. They have greatly helped and encouraged me.

Epaphras, who is your fellow townsman and a servant of Messiah Jesus, greets you. He prays earnestly for you very often, that you might be strong and believe everything that God teaches us and promises us.

I can say that he has worked very hard for you, for those who live in the city of Laodicea, and for those who live in the city of Hierapolis.

Luke the doctor, whom I love, and Demas greet you.

Signature and Final Instructions

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

Greet the fellow believers who live in Laodicea, and greet Nympha and the group of believers that meets in her house.

After someone reads this letter among you, have someone also read it to the assembly in Laodicea. And read the letter from Laodicea, too.

Tell Archippus to make sure that he completes the task that God gave him to do.

I, Paul, greet you now in my own handwriting. Remember me and pray for me in prison. I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ would continue to act graciously toward you all.

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.