New Revised Standard NRS
The Message Bible MSG
1 Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, for you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
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 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.
2
Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude.
3 At the same time pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison,
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 so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.
4
Pray that every time I open my mouth I'll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.
5 Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.
5
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 always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.
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 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me; he is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord.
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 have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts;
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 he is coming with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
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 my fellow prisoner greets you, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him.
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 Jesus who is called Justus greets you. These are the only ones of the circumcision among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
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, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always wrestling in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in everything that God wills.
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 For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.
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, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.
14
Luke, good friend and physician, and Demas both send greetings.
15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
15
Say hello to our friends in Laodicea; also to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.
16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea.
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 say to Archippus, "See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord."
17
And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, "Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best."
18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
18
I'm signing off in my own handwriting - Paul. Remember to pray for me in this jail. Grace be with you.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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.