Masters, give to y’all’s slaves that which is just and equal, knowing that y’all also have a Master in heaven.
Exhortation to Prayer and Wisdom
Y’all are to be devoted to prayer, being watchful with thanksgiving, praying together for us that God may open a door the word, and for us to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, that I may reveal it in the way I should say it.
Y’all must walk in wisdom toward outsiders, redeeming every opportunity. Let y’all’s speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that y’all may know how y’all ought to respond to each person.
Personal Greetings
Tychicus, the beloved sibling, faithful deacon, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell y’all about all my affairs. I am sending him to y’all for this very purpose, that y’all may know our circumstances and that he may comfort y’all’s hearts. With him is Onesimus, the faithful and beloved sibling, who is one of y’all. They will inform y’all of everything that is happening here.
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets y’all, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (y’all received instructions about him: if he comes to y’all, receive him); and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the Empire of God who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me.
Epaphras, who is one of y’all, a slave of Christ, greets y’all. He is always struggling for y’all in his prayers, that y’all may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I testify about him that he has great zeal for y’all, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas also greet y’all.
Y’all greet the siblings who are in Laodicea, with Nympha and the church that is in her house.
When this letter has been read among y’all, ensure it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans. Likewise, y’all read the letter from Laodicea. Y’all tell Archippus, “Take heed to the deacon-work which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.”
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Y’all remember my chains. Grace be with y’all.