Masters, on your part deal with your slaves justly and fairly, ^aknowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Lev 25:43, 53

2 ^aBe persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving. 3 At the same time pray ^afor us, too, that God will open a ^bdoor of opportunity to us for ^cthe word, to proclaim ^dthe mystery of Christ, for which I have ^ebeen imprisoned; 4 that I may make it clear and speak boldly and unfold the mystery ^ain the way I should.

5 ^aConduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with ^boutsiders (non-believers) , ^cmake the most of each opportunity treating it as something precious. 6 ^aLet your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with ^bsalt, so that you will know how to ^canswer each one who questions you.

7 ^aAs to all my affairs, ^1bTychicus, who is a ^cmuch-loved brother and faithful assistant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will give you all the information. Eph 6:21 8 ^aI have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are doing and that he may ^bencourage your hearts; 9 and with him is ^1aOnesimus, our faithful and ^bbeloved brother, ^cwho is one of you. They will let you know everything about the situation here in Rome.

10 ^aAristarchus, my ^bfellow prisoner, wishes to be remembered to you; as does Mark, the cousin of ^cBarnabas (about whom you received instructions; ^dif he comes to you, welcome him); 11 and from Jesus, who is called Justus. These are the only ^afellow workers for the kingdom of God ^bwho are from the circumcision (Jewish Christians) , and they have proved to be an encouragement and a comfort to me. 12 ^aEpaphras, ^bwho is one of you and a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always ^cstriving for you in his prayers, praying with genuine concern, pleading that you may as people of character and courage stand ^dfirm, spiritually mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I testify for him that he has worked strenuously for you and for the believers in ^aLaodicea and those in Hierapolis. 14 ^aLuke, the beloved physician, and ^bDemas greet you. 15 Give my greetings to the ¹brothers and sisters at ^aLaodicea, and to Nympha and ^bthe church that meets in her house. 16 ^aWhen this letter has been read among you, see that it is read in the church of the Laodiceans; and also that you in turn ^bread ¹my letter that is coming to you from ^cLaodicea. 17 And say to ^aArchippus, “See to it that you fulfill carefully the duties of the ^bministry which you have received in the Lord.”

18 I, Paul, ^awrite this greeting with my own hand. ^bRemember my ^cchains. May ^dgrace (God’s unmerited favor and blessing) be with you.