Dual Panel1Masters, be just and fair to your slaves, knowing that you too have a master in heaven.
2Persevere in prayer, with minds alert and with thankful hearts;
3and include us in your prayers, asking God to provide an opening for the gospel, that we may proclaim the secret of Christ, for which indeed I am in prison.
4Pray that I may make the secret plain, as it is my duty to do.
5Be wise in your dealings with outsiders, but use your opportunities to the full.
6Let your words always be gracious, never insipid; learn how best to respond to each person you meet.
News and greetings
7YOU WILL hear all my news from Tychicus, our dear brother and trustworthy helper and fellow-servant in the Lord's work.
8I am sending him to you for this purpose, to let you know how we are and to put fresh heart into you.
9With him comes Onesimus, our trustworthy and dear brother, who is one of yourselves. They will tell you all that has happened here.
10Aristarchus, Christ's captive like myself, sends his greetings; so does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (you have had instructions about him; if he comes, make him welcome),
11and Jesus Justus. Of the Jewish Christians, these are the only ones working with me for the kingdom of God, and they have been a great comfort to me.
12Greetings from Epaphras, servant of Christ, who is one of yourselves. He prays hard for you all the time, that you may stand fast, as mature Christians, fully determined to do the will of God.
13I can vouch for him, that he works tirelessly for you and the people at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14Greetings to you from our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and from Demas.
15Give our greetings to the Christians at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the congregation that meets at her house.
16Once this letter has been read among you, see that it is read also to the church at Laodicea, and that you in turn read my letter to Laodicea.
17Give Archippus this message: “See that you carry out fully the duty entrusted to you in the Lord's service.”
18I add this greeting in my own hand -- Paul. Remember I am in prison. Grace be with you.