| New International Version | Berean Study Bible |
| 1Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. | 1Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven. |
| 2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. | 2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, |
| 3And 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. | 3as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. |
| 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. | 4Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should. |
| 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. | 5Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. |
| 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. | 6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. |
| 7Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. | 7Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. |
| 8I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. | 8I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts. |
| 9He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. | 9With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here. |
| 10My 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.) | 10My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him. |
| 11Jesus, 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. | 11Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. |
| 12Epaphras, 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. | 12Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God. |
| 13I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. | 13For I testify about him that he goes to great pains for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. |
| 14Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. | 14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings. |
| 15Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. | 15Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house. |
| 16After 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. | 16After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. |
| 17Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord." | 17Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” |
| 18I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. | 18This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. |
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