Parallel Bible results for "colossians 4"

Colossians 4

MSG

NIV

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.
1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
2 Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude.
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
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.
3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
4 Pray that every time I open my mouth I'll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.
4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
5 Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity.
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; 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.
6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
7 My good friend Tychicus will tell you all about me. He's a trusted minister and companion in the service of the Master.
7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
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.
8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
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.
9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening 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);
10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, 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!
11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.
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.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
13 I've watched him closely, and can report on how hard he has worked for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14 Luke, good friend and physician, and Demas both send greetings.
14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.
15 Say hello to our friends in Laodicea; also to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.
15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church 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.
16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
17 And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, "Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best."
17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
18 I'm signing off in my own handwriting - Paul. Remember to pray for me in this jail. Grace be with you.
18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
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.
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.