Colossians, 4

1. Masters, give unto [your] servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

1. As for you, masters, give your servants what is fair and reasonable, knowing that you yourselves have a Master in heaven.

2. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

2. Be steadfast in prayer and even spend the night praying and giving thanks.

3. Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

3. Pray especially for us and our preaching: may the Lord give us words to announce the mystery of Christ. Because of this I am in chains;

4. That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

4. pray then that I may be able to reveal this mystery as I should.

5. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

5. Deal wisely with those who do not belong to the Church; take advantage of every opportunity.

6. Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

6. Let your conversation be pleasing with a touch of wit. Know how to speak to everyone in the best way.

7. All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, [who is] a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

7. Tychicus will give news of me. He is our dear brother and for me a faithful assistant and fellow worker for the Lord.

8. Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

8. I am purposely sending him to give you news of me and to encourage you.

9. With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is [one] of you. They shall make known unto you all things which [are done] here.

9. With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of yours. They will tell you about everything that is happening here.

10. Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

10. My companion in prison, Aristarchus, greets you, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, about whom you have already received instructions. If he calls on you, receive him warmly.

11. And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only [are my] fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

11. Jesus, called Justus, also greets you. They are the only Jewish people working with me for the kingdom of God, and because of that they have been a comfort to me.

12. Epaphras, who is [one] of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

12. Greetings from your countryman Epaphras, a good servant of Christ Jesus. He constantly battles for you through his prayer that you be perfect and firm in whatever God asks of you.

13. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them [that are] in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

13. I assure you that he is deeply concerned about you, as he is for the Laodiceans and those of Hierapolis.

14. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

14. Greetings from Luke, our dear doctor and from Demas.

15. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

15. Greet the brothers and sisters of Laodicea, and don't forget Nympha and the church that gathers in her house.

16. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the [epistle] from Laodicea.

16. After reading this letter, see that it is read in the Church of the Laodiceans, and have the letter they received read in yours.

17. And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

17. And say to Archipus, "Do not forget the ministry given to you in the Lord."

18. The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace [be] with you. Amen. <[Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.]>

18. Greetings in my own hand, Paul. Remember that I am in chains. Grace be with you.