Colossians 4

Holman Christian Standard Bible

Speaking to God and Others

² Devote yourselves^(B) to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. ³ At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door^(C) to us for the message, to speak the mystery of the Messiah,^(D) for which I am in prison,^{(E) 4} so that I may reveal it as I am required to speak. ⁵ Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.^{(F) 6} Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt,^(G) so that you may know how you should answer each person.^(H)

Christian Greetings

⁷ Tychicus,^(I) our dearly loved brother, faithful^(J) servant, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. ⁸ I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are^[a] and so that he may encourage^(K) your hearts.^{(L) 9} He is with Onesimus,^(M) a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

¹⁰ Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as does Mark,^(N) Barnabas’s^(O) cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), ¹¹ and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcision are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. ¹² Epaphras,^(P) who is one of you, a slave of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always contending^(Q) for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured^[b] in everything God wills.^{(R) 13} For I testify about him that he works hard^[c](S) for you, for those in Laodicea,^(T) and for those in Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas^(U) greet you. ¹⁵ Give my greetings to the brothers in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home.^{(V) 16} When this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. ¹⁷ And tell Archippus,^(W) “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.”^(X)

¹⁸ This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my imprisonment.^(Y) Grace be with you.^[d](Z)