1Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.
Prayer and wisdom toward outsiders
2Devote yourselves to prayer. Stay alert in it and be thankful. 3Pray also for us, that God may open a door for the message, for us to declare the mystery of the Christ—for which I am in chains— 4so that I may make it as clear as I should. 5Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of every opportunity. 6Let your speech always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you know how to answer everyone.
Final greetings
7Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow slave in the Lord. 8I am sending him to you for this very reason: so that you may know how we are, and so that he may encourage your hearts— 9together with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: if he comes to you, welcome him. 11And Jesus who is called Justus also sends greetings. Of the Jewish believers, these are the only ones who work with me for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12Epaphras, who is one of you, a slave of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills. 13I can testify that he labors hard for you, and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14Luke, our dear doctor, sends you greetings, and so does Demas. 15Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. 16After this letter has been read among you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17And tell Archippus: “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you may complete it.” 18I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
