Colossians

The epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians, chapter 4, New English Translation and King James Version

Chapter 4 New English Translation

   1 Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven.

Exhortation to Pray for the Success of Paul's Mission

   2 Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may make it known as I should. 5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.

Personal Greetings and Instructions

   7 Tychicus, a dear brother, faithful minister, and fellow slave in the LORD, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 I sent him with Onesimus, the faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
   10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him). 11 And Jesus who is called Justus also sends greetings. In terms of Jewish converts, these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a slave of Christ, greets you. He is always struggling in prayer on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I can testify that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke the physician and Demas greet you. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. 16 And after you have read this letter, have it read to the church of Laodicea. In turn, read the letter from Laodicea as well. 17 And tell Archippus, "See to it that you complete the ministry you received in the LORD."
   18 I, Paul, write this greeting by my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

King James Version

   1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
   2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
   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:
   4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
   5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
   6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
   7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
   8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
   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.
   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;)
   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.
   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.
   13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
   14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
   15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his 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.
   17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
   18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

Written from Rome to the Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.