[1] Masters, be just and fair to your slaves, knowing that you yourselves have a master in heaven. [2] Keep on praying and guard your prayers with thanksgiving. [3] At the same time, pray for us also. Pray that God would open a door for the word so we can preach the secret plan of Christ—which is why I’m in chains. [4] Pray that I might be able to make it as clear as I ought to when I preach. [5] Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. [6] Your speech should always be gracious and sprinkled with insight so that you may know how to respond to every person. [7] Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow slave in the Lord, will inform you about everything that has happened to me. [8] This is why I sent him to you, so that you’ll know all about us and so he can encourage your hearts. [9] I sent him with Onesimus, our faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will let you know about everything here. [10] Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, says hello to you. So does Mark, Barnabas’ cousin (you received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him). [11] Jesus, called Justus, also says hello. These are my only fellow workers for God’s kingdom who are Jewish converts. They have been an encouragement to me. [12] Epaphras, who is one of you, says hello. He’s a slave of Christ Jesus who always wrestles for you in prayers so that you will stand firm and be fully mature and complete in the entire will of God. [13] I can vouch for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. [14] Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas say hello. [15] Say hello to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, along with Nympha and the church that meets in her house. [16] After this letter has been read to you publicly, make sure that the church in Laodicea reads it and that you read the one from Laodicea. [17] And tell Archippus, “See to it that you complete the ministry that you received in the Lord.” [18] I, Paul, am writing this greeting personally. Remember that I’m in prison. Grace be with you.
