Colossians 4 DBY
Summary: The household code concludes with instructions to bondservants to work as for the Lord and to masters to treat servants justly, knowing they too have a Master in heaven. Paul urges devotion to prayer with thanksgiving and asks for prayer that he may proclaim the mystery of Christ clearly despite his imprisonment. He tells them to walk in wisdom toward outsiders and let their speech always be gracious, "seasoned with salt" (v. 6). The letter closes with commendations of Tychicus and Onesimus who carry it, greetings from Paul's companions including Aristarchus, Mark, Epaphras, Luke, and Demas, a greeting to Nympha and the church meeting in her house, and instructions to exchange this letter with the one sent to Laodicea.
1Masters, give to bondmen what is just and fair, knowing that ye also have a Master in [the] heavens.
2Persevere in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving;
3praying at the same time for us also, thatGod may open to us a door of the word to speak the mystery of Christ, on account of which also I am bound,
4to the end that I may make it manifest as I ought to speak.
5Walk in wisdom towards those without, redeeming opportunities.
6[Let] your word [be] always with grace, seasoned with salt, [so as] to know how ye ought to answer each one.
7Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-bondman in [the] Lord, will make known to you all that concerns me;
8whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that he might know your state, and that he might encourage your hearts:
9with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is [one] of you. They shall make known to you everything here.
10Aristarchus my fellow-captive salutes you, and Mark, Barnabas's cousin, concerning whom ye have received orders, (if he come to you, receive him,)
11and Jesus called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These [are the] only fellow-workers for the kingdom ofGod who have been a consolation to me.
12Epaphras, who is [one] of you, [the] bondman of Christ Jesus, salutes you, always combating earnestly for you in prayers, to the end that ye may stand perfect and complete in all [the] will ofGod.
13For I bear him witness that he labours much for you, and them in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
14Luke, the beloved physician, salutes you, and Demas.
15Salute the brethren in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly which [is] in his house.
16And when the letter has been read among you, cause that it be read also in the assembly of Laodiceans, and that ye also read that from Laodicea.
17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in [the] Lord, to the end that thou fulfil it.
18The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace [be] with you.
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