1Masters,a deal with your slaves justly and fairly, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.

Speaking to God and Others

2Devote yourselvesa to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. 3At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a doora to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ,b for which I am in chains,c 4so that I may make it known as I should. 5Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.a 6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt,a so that you may know how you should answer each person.b

Final Greetings

7Tychicus,a our dearly loved brother, faithfulb minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we areA and so that he may encouragea your hearts.b 9He is coming with Onesimus,a a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

10Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark,a Barnabas’sb cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcised are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12Epaphras,a who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestlingb for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assuredA in everything God wills.c 13For I testify about him that he works harda a for you, for those in Laodicea,b and for those in Hierapolis. 14Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demasa send you greetings. 15Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home.a 16After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17And tell Archippus,a “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.”b

18I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains.a Grace be with you.a b