¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves^(A) with compassion, kindness, humility,^(B) gentleness and patience.^{(C) 13} Bear with each other^(D) and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.^{(E) 14} And over all these virtues put on love,^(F) which binds them all together in perfect unity.^(G)

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ^(H) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body^(I) you were called to peace.^(J) And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ^(K) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom^(L) through psalms,^(M) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.^{(N) 17} And whatever you do,^(O) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks^(P) to God the Father through him.

Instructions for Christian Households^(Q)

¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands,^(R) as is fitting in the Lord.

¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

²¹ Fathers,^[a] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance^(S) from the Lord as a reward.^(T) It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ²⁵ Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.^(U)

4 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair,^(V) because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Further Instructions

² Devote yourselves to prayer,^(W) being watchful and thankful. ³ And pray for us, too, that God may open a door^(X) for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery^(Y) of Christ, for which I am in chains.^{(Z) 4} Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. ⁵ Be wise^(AA) in the way you act toward outsiders;^(AB) make the most of every opportunity.^{(AC) 6} Let your conversation be always full of grace,^(AD) seasoned with salt,^(AE) so that you may know how to answer everyone.^(AF)

Final Greetings

⁷ Tychicus^(AG) will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant^[b](AH) in the Lord. ⁸ I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our^[c] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.^{(AI) 9} He is coming with Onesimus,^(AJ) our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you.^(AK) They will tell you everything that is happening here.

¹⁰ My fellow prisoner Aristarchus^(AL) sends you his greetings, as does Mark,^(AM) the cousin of Barnabas.^(AN) (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) ¹¹ Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews^[d] among my co-workers^(AO) for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. ¹² Epaphras,^(AP) who is one of you^(AQ) and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you,^(AR) that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature^(AS) and fully assured. ¹³ I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea^(AT) and Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Our dear friend Luke,^(AU) the doctor, and Demas^(AV) send greetings. ¹⁵ Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea,^(AW) and to Nympha and the church in her house.^(AX)

¹⁶ After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read^(AY) in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

¹⁷ Tell Archippus:^(AZ) “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”^(BA)

¹⁸ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.^(BB) Remember^(BC) my chains.^(BD) Grace be with you.^(BE)