King James Version KJV
The Message Bible MSG
1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
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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 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
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Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude.
3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
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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 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
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Pray that every time I open my mouth I'll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.
5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
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Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity.
6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
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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 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
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My good friend Tychicus will tell you all about me. He's a trusted minister and companion in the service of the Master.
8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
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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 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
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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 my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
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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 Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
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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, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
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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 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
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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, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
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Luke, good friend and physician, and Demas both send greetings.
15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
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Say hello to our friends in Laodicea; also to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.
16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
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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 say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
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And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, "Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best."
18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. [Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.]
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I'm signing off in my own handwriting - Paul. Remember to pray for me in this jail. Grace be with you.
The King James Version is in the public domain.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.