Colossians 4 | English Standard Version

English Standard Version

1 Masters, treat your bondservants^[1] justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Further Instructions

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Eph 6:18; Col 2:7) 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— (Ac 14:27; Ro 16:25; Eph 6:20; Php 1:7; Col 4:18)

Ac 14:27Ro 16:25Eph 6:20Php 1:7Col 4:18

4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. (Mr 4:11; Eph 5:15) 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Mr 9:50; Col 3:16; 1Pe 3:15)

Final Greetings

7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant^[2] in the Lord. (Eph 6:21) 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. (Phm 1:10; Phm 1:16) 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), (Ac 15:37; Ac 15:39; Ac 19:29; Ac 20:4; Ac 27:2; Ro 16:7; 2Ti 4:11; Phm 1:24)

Ac 15:37Ac 15:39Ac 19:29Ac 20:4Ac 27:2Ro 16:72Ti 4:11Phm 1:24

11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. (Ac 1:23; Ac 11:2; Ac 18:7; Phm 1:7)

Ac 1:23Ac 11:2Ac 18:7Phm 1:7

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. (Mt 5:48; Ro 15:30; Col 1:7; Phm 1:23)

Mt 5:48Ro 15:30Col 1:7Phm 1:23

13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. (Ac 16:10; 2Ti 4:10; 2Ti 4:11; Phm 1:24)

Ac 16:102Ti 4:102Ti 4:11Phm 1:24

15 Give my greetings to the brothers^[3] at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. (Ro 16:5) 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. (1Th 5:27) 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” (2Ti 4:5; Phm 1:2) 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. (1Co 16:21; Php 1:7; Col 4:3; 1Ti 6:21; 2Ti 4:22; Tit 3:15; Heb 13:3)

1Co 16:21Php 1:7Col 4:31Ti 6:212Ti 4:22Tit 3:15Heb 13:3