Parallel Bible results for "colossians 4"

Colossians 4

English Standard Version ESV

1 Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

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--

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.

6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.

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.

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),

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.

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.

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.

15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

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.

17 And say to Archippus, "See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord."

18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

The Message Bible MSG

1 And masters, treat your servants considerately. Be fair with them. Don't forget for a minute that you, too, serve a Master - God in heaven.

2 Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude.

3 Don't forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I'm locked up in this jail.

4 Pray that every time I open my mouth I'll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.

5 Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity.

6 Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.

7 My good friend Tychicus will tell you all about me. He's a trusted minister and companion in the service of the Master.

8 I've sent him to you so that you would know how things are with us, and so he could encourage you in your faith.

9 And I've sent Onesimus with him. Onesimus is one of you, and has become such a trusted and dear brother! Together they'll bring you up-to-date on everything that has been going on here.

10 Aristarchus, who is in jail here with me, sends greetings; also Mark, cousin of Barnabas (you received a letter regarding him; if he shows up, welcome him);

11 and also Jesus, the one they call Justus. These are the only ones left from the old crowd who have stuck with me in working for God's kingdom. Don't think they haven't been a big help!

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, says hello. What a trooper he has been! He's been tireless in his prayers for you, praying that you'll stand firm, mature and confident in everything God wants you to do.

13 I've watched him closely, and can report on how hard he has worked for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

14 Luke, good friend and physician, and Demas both send greetings.

15 Say hello to our friends in Laodicea; also to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.

16 After this letter has been read to you, make sure it gets read also in Laodicea. And get the letter that went to Laodicea and have it read to you.

17 And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, "Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best."

18 I'm signing off in my own handwriting - Paul. Remember to pray for me in this jail. Grace be with you.