-
Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
-
But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
-
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices
-
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
-
Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
-
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
-
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
-
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
-
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
-
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
-
Instructions for Christian Households
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
-
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
-
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
-
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
-
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.
-
since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
-
Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
-
Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
-
Further Instructions
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
-
And 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.
-
Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
-
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
-
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
-
Final Greetings
Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
-
I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
