Bible in 90 Days

²⁶ So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God^(A) through faith, ²⁷ for all of you who were baptized into Christ^(B) have clothed yourselves with Christ.^{(C) 28} There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free,^(D) nor is there male and female,^(E) for you are all one in Christ Jesus.^{(F) 29} If you belong to Christ,^(G) then you are Abraham’s seed,^(H) and heirs^(I) according to the promise.^(J)

4 What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. ² The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. ³ So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery^(K) under the elemental spiritual forces^[a] of the world.^{(L) 4} But when the set time had fully come,^(M) God sent his Son,^(N) born of a woman,^(O) born under the law,^{(P) 5} to redeem^(Q) those under the law, that we might receive adoption^(R) to sonship.^{[b](S) 6} Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son^(T) into our hearts,^(U) the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,^[c] Father.”^{(V) 7} So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.^(W)

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians

⁸ Formerly, when you did not know God,^(X) you were slaves^(Y) to those who by nature are not gods.^{(Z) 9} But now that you know God—or rather are known by God^(AA)—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces^[d]? Do you wish to be enslaved^(AB) by them all over again?^{(AC) 10} You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!^{(AD) 11} I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.^(AE)

¹² I plead with you, brothers and sisters,^(AF) become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. ¹³ As you know, it was because of an illness^(AG) that I first preached the gospel to you, ¹⁴ and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.^{(AH) 15} Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶ Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?^(AI)

¹⁷ Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them.^{(AJ) 18} It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.^{(AK) 19} My dear children,^(AL) for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,^{(AM) 20} how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

Hagar and Sarah

²¹ Tell me, you who want to be under the law,^(AN) are you not aware of what the law says? ²² For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman^(AO) and the other by the free woman.^{(AP) 23} His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh,^(AQ) but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.^(AR)

²⁴ These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. ²⁵ Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. ²⁶ But the Jerusalem that is above^(AS) is free, and she is our mother. ²⁷ For it is written:

²⁸ Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.^{(AU) 29} At that time the son born according to the flesh^(AV) persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit.^(AW) It is the same now. ³⁰ But what does Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”^{[f](AX) 31} Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman,^(AY) but of the free woman.^(AZ)

Freedom in Christ

5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.^(BA) Stand firm,^(BB) then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.^(BC)

² Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised,^(BD) Christ will be of no value to you at all. ³ Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.^{(BE) 4} You who are trying to be justified by the law^(BF) have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.^{(BG) 5} For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.^{(BH) 6} For in Christ Jesus^(BI) neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.^(BJ) The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.^(BK)

⁷ You were running a good race.^(BL) Who cut in on you^(BM) to keep you from obeying the truth? ⁸ That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.^{(BN) 9} “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”^{(BO) 10} I am confident^(BP) in the Lord that you will take no other view.^(BQ) The one who is throwing you into confusion,^(BR) whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. ¹¹ Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?^(BS) In that case the offense^(BT) of the cross has been abolished. ¹² As for those agitators,^(BU) I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

Life by the Spirit

¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.^(BV) But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh^[g];^(BW) rather, serve one another^(BX) humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”^{[h](BY) 15} If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

¹⁶ So I say, walk by the Spirit,^(BZ) and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.^{(CA) 17} For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.^(CB) They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever^[i] you want.^{(CC) 18} But if you are led by the Spirit,^(CD) you are not under the law.^(CE)

¹⁹ The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality,^(CF) impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.^(CG) I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.^(CH)

²² But the fruit^(CI) of the Spirit is love,^(CJ) joy, peace,^(CK) forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control.^(CL) Against such things there is no law.^{(CM) 24} Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh^(CN) with its passions and desires.^{(CO) 25} Since we live by the Spirit,^(CP) let us keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited,^(CQ) provoking and envying each other.

Doing Good to All

6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit^(CR) should restore^(CS) that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. ² Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.^{(CT) 3} If anyone thinks they are something^(CU) when they are not, they deceive themselves.^{(CV) 4} Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone,^(CW) without comparing themselves to someone else,^{(CX) 5} for each one should carry their own load.^{(CY) 6} Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.^(CZ)

⁷ Do not be deceived:^(DA) God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.^{(DB) 8} Whoever sows to please their flesh,^(DC) from the flesh will reap destruction;^(DD) whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.^{(DE) 9} Let us not become weary in doing good,^(DF) for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.^{(DG) 10} Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good^(DH) to all people, especially to those who belong to the family^(DI) of believers.

Not Circumcision but the New Creation

¹¹ See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!^(DJ)

¹² Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh^(DK) are trying to compel you to be circumcised.^(DL) The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted^(DM) for the cross of Christ. ¹³ Not even those who are circumcised keep the law,^(DN) yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh.^{(DO) 14} May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,^(DP) through which^[j] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.^{(DQ) 15} Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything;^(DR) what counts is the new creation.^{(DS) 16} Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to^[k] the Israel of God.

¹⁷ From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks^(DT) of Jesus.

¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ^(DU) be with your spirit,^(DV) brothers and sisters. Amen.

1 Paul, an apostle^(DW) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,^(DX)

To God’s holy people^(DY) in Ephesus,^[l](DZ) the faithful^(EA) in Christ Jesus:

² Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.^(EB)

Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,^(EC) who has blessed us in the heavenly realms^(ED) with every spiritual blessing in Christ. ⁴ For he chose us^(EE) in him before the creation of the world^(EF) to be holy and blameless^(EG) in his sight. In love^{(EH) 5} he^[m] predestined^(EI) us for adoption to sonship^[n](EJ) through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure^(EK) and will— ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace,^(EL) which he has freely given us in the One he loves.^{(EM) 7} In him we have redemption^(EN) through his blood,^(EO) the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches^(EP) of God’s grace ⁸ that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, ⁹ he^[o] made known to us the mystery^(EQ) of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed^(ER) in Christ, ¹⁰ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment^(ES)—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.^(ET)

¹¹ In him we were also chosen,^[p] having been predestined^(EU) according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose^(EV) of his will, ¹² in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.^{(EW) 13} And you also were included in Christ^(EX) when you heard the message of truth,^(EY) the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,^(EZ) the promised Holy Spirit,^{(FA) 14} who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance^(FB) until the redemption^(FC) of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.^(FD)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

¹⁵ For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus^(FE) and your love for all God’s people,^{(FF) 16} I have not stopped giving thanks for you,^(FG) remembering you in my prayers.^{(FH) 17} I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,^(FI) may give you the Spirit^[q] of wisdom^(FJ) and revelation, so that you may know him better. ¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened^(FK) in order that you may know the hope to which he has called^(FL) you, the riches^(FM) of his glorious inheritance^(FN) in his holy people,^{(FO) 19} and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power^(FP) is the same as the mighty strength^{(FQ) 20} he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead^(FR) and seated him at his right hand^(FS) in the heavenly realms,^{(FT) 21} far above all rule and authority, power and dominion,^(FU) and every name^(FV) that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.^{(FW) 22} And God placed all things under his feet^(FX) and appointed him to be head^(FY) over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body,^(FZ) the fullness of him^(GA) who fills everything in every way.^(GB)

Made Alive in Christ

2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,^{(GC) 2} in which you used to live^(GD) when you followed the ways of this world^(GE) and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,^(GF) the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.^{(GG) 3} All of us also lived among them at one time,^(GH) gratifying the cravings of our flesh^[r](GI) and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. ⁴ But because of his great love for us,^(GJ) God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions^(GK)—it is by grace you have been saved.^{(GL) 6} And God raised us up with Christ^(GM) and seated us with him^(GN) in the heavenly realms^(GO) in Christ Jesus, ⁷ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace,^(GP) expressed in his kindness^(GQ) to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For it is by grace^(GR) you have been saved,^(GS) through faith^(GT)—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works,^(GU) so that no one can boast.^{(GV) 10} For we are God’s handiwork,^(GW) created^(GX) in Christ Jesus to do good works,^(GY) which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ

¹¹ Therefore, remember that formerly^(GZ) you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)^(HA)— ¹² remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners^(HB) to the covenants of the promise,^(HC) without hope^(HD) and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once^(HE) were far away have been brought near^(HF) by the blood of Christ.^(HG)

¹⁴ For he himself is our peace,^(HH) who has made the two groups one^(HI) and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, ¹⁵ by setting aside in his flesh^(HJ) the law with its commands and regulations.^(HK) His purpose was to create in himself one^(HL) new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶ and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross,^(HM) by which he put to death their hostility. ¹⁷ He came and preached peace^(HN) to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.^{(HO) 18} For through him we both have access^(HP) to the Father^(HQ) by one Spirit.^(HR)

¹⁹ Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers,^(HS) but fellow citizens^(HT) with God’s people and also members of his household,^{(HU) 20} built^(HV) on the foundation^(HW) of the apostles and prophets,^(HX) with Christ Jesus himself^(HY) as the chief cornerstone.^{(HZ) 21} In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple^(IA) in the Lord. ²² And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.^(IB)

God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner^(IC) of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

² Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me^(ID) for you, ³ that is, the mystery^(IE) made known to me by revelation,^(IF) as I have already written briefly. ⁴ In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight^(IG) into the mystery of Christ, ⁵ which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.^{(IH) 6} This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs^(II) together with Israel, members together of one body,^(IJ) and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.^(IK)

⁷ I became a servant of this gospel^(IL) by the gift of God’s grace given me^(IM) through the working of his power.^{(IN) 8} Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people,^(IO) this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles^(IP) the boundless riches of Christ,^{(IQ) 9} and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,^(IR) which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. ¹⁰ His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God^(IS) should be made known^(IT) to the rulers and authorities^(IU) in the heavenly realms,^{(IV) 11} according to his eternal purpose^(IW) that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. ¹² In him and through faith in him we may approach God^(IX) with freedom and confidence.^{(IY) 13} I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

A Prayer for the Ephesians

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel^(IZ) before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family^[s] in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches^(JA) he may strengthen you with power^(JB) through his Spirit in your inner being,^{(JC) 17} so that Christ may dwell in your hearts^(JD) through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted^(JE) and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people,^(JF) to grasp how wide and long and high and deep^(JG) is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge^(JH)—that you may be filled^(JI) to the measure of all the fullness of God.^(JJ)

²⁰ Now to him who is able^(JK) to do immeasurably more than all we ask^(JL) or imagine, according to his power^(JM) that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.^(JN)

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

4 As a prisoner^(JO) for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy^(JP) of the calling^(JQ) you have received. ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another^(JR) in love.^{(JS) 3} Make every effort to keep the unity^(JT) of the Spirit through the bond of peace.^{(JU) 4} There is one body^(JV) and one Spirit,^(JW) just as you were called to one hope when you were called^(JX); ⁵ one Lord,^(JY) one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all,^(JZ) who is over all and through all and in all.^(KA)

⁷ But to each one of us^(KB) grace^(KC) has been given^(KD) as Christ apportioned it. ⁸ This is why it^[t] says:

⁹ (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions^[v]? ¹⁰ He who descended is the very one who ascended^(KG) higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)^{(KH) 11} So Christ himself gave^(KI) the apostles,^(KJ) the prophets,^(KK) the evangelists,^(KL) the pastors and teachers,^{(KM) 12} to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ^(KN) may be built up^{(KO) 13} until we all reach unity^(KP) in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God^(KQ) and become mature,^(KR) attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.^(KS)

¹⁴ Then we will no longer be infants,^(KT) tossed back and forth by the waves,^(KU) and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.^{(KV) 15} Instead, speaking the truth in love,^(KW) we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head,^(KX) that is, Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows^(KY) and builds itself up^(KZ) in love,^(LA) as each part does its work.

Instructions for Christian Living

¹⁷ So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer^(LB) live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.^{(LC) 18} They are darkened in their understanding^(LD) and separated from the life of God^(LE) because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.^{(LF) 19} Having lost all sensitivity,^(LG) they have given themselves over^(LH) to sensuality^(LI) so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

²⁰ That, however, is not the way of life you learned ²¹ when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off^(LJ) your old self,^(LK) which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;^{(LL) 23} to be made new in the attitude of your minds;^{(LM) 24} and to put on^(LN) the new self,^(LO) created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.^(LP)

²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully^(LQ) to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.^{(LR) 26} “In your anger do not sin”^[w]:^(LS) Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold.^{(LT) 28} Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work,^(LU) doing something useful with their own hands,^(LV) that they may have something to share with those in need.^(LW)

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,^(LX) but only what is helpful for building others up^(LY) according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,^(LZ) with whom you were sealed^(MA) for the day of redemption.^{(MB) 31} Get rid of^(MC) all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.^{(MD) 32} Be kind and compassionate to one another,^(ME) forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.^(MF) 5 ¹ Follow God’s example,^(MG) therefore, as dearly loved children^{(MH) 2} and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us^(MI) and gave himself up for us^(MJ) as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.^(MK)

³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,^(ML) or of any kind of impurity, or of greed,^(MM) because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk^(MN) or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.^{(MO) 5} For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater^(MP)—has any inheritance^(MQ) in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^{[x](MR) 6} Let no one deceive you^(MS) with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath^(MT) comes on those who are disobedient.^{(MU) 7} Therefore do not be partners with them.

⁸ For you were once^(MV) darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light^{(MW) 9} (for the fruit^(MX) of the light consists in all goodness,^(MY) righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord.^{(MZ) 11} Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness,^(NA) but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light^(NB) becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said:

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live^(NF)—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity,^(NG) because the days are evil.^{(NH) 17} Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.^{(NI) 18} Do not get drunk on wine,^(NJ) which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,^{(NK) 19} speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.^(NL) Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks^(NM) to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Instructions for Christian Households^(NN)

²¹ Submit to one another^(NO) out of reverence for Christ.

²² Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands^(NP) as you do to the Lord.^{(NQ) 23} For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church,^(NR) his body, of which he is the Savior. ²⁴ Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands^(NS) in everything.

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives,^(NT) just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her^{(NU) 26} to make her holy,^(NV) cleansing^[y] her by the washing^(NW) with water through the word, ²⁷ and to present her to himself^(NX) as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.^{(NY) 28} In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives^(NZ) as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— ³⁰ for we are members of his body.^{(OA) 31} “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”^{[z](OB) 32} This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. ³³ However, each one of you also must love his wife^(OC) as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.^{(OD) 2} “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— ³ “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”^[aa](OE)

⁴ Fathers,^[ab] do not exasperate your children;^(OF) instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.^(OG)

⁵ Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect^(OH) and fear, and with sincerity of heart,^(OI) just as you would obey Christ.^{(OJ) 6} Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ,^(OK) doing the will of God from your heart. ⁷ Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,^{(OL) 8} because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do,^(OM) whether they are slave or free.

⁹ And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours^(ON) is in heaven, and there is no favoritism^(OO) with him.

The Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord^(OP) and in his mighty power.^{(OQ) 11} Put on the full armor of God,^(OR) so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,^(OS) but against the rulers, against the authorities,^(OT) against the powers^(OU) of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.^{(OV) 13} Therefore put on the full armor of God,^(OW) so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,^(OX) with the breastplate of righteousness in place,^{(OY) 15} and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.^{(OZ) 16} In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,^(PA) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.^{(PB) 17} Take the helmet of salvation^(PC) and the sword of the Spirit,^(PD) which is the word of God.^(PE)

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit^(PF) on all occasions^(PG) with all kinds of prayers and requests.^(PH) With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying^(PI) for all the Lord’s people. ¹⁹ Pray also for me,^(PJ) that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly^(PK) make known the mystery^(PL) of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador^(PM) in chains.^(PN) Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Final Greetings

²¹ Tychicus,^(PO) the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. ²² I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are,^(PP) and that he may encourage you.^(PQ)

²³ Peace^(PR) to the brothers and sisters,^[ac] and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.^[ad]

1 Paul and Timothy,^(PS) servants of Christ Jesus,

To all God’s holy people^(PT) in Christ Jesus at Philippi,^(PU) together with the overseers^(PV) and deacons^[ae]:^(PW)

² Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.^(PX)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

³ I thank my God every time I remember you.^{(PY) 4} In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray^(PZ) with joy ⁵ because of your partnership^(QA) in the gospel from the first day^(QB) until now, ⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion^(QC) until the day of Christ Jesus.^(QD)

⁷ It is right^(QE) for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart^(QF) and, whether I am in chains^(QG) or defending^(QH) and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. ⁸ God can testify^(QI) how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love^(QJ) may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,^{(QK) 10} so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,^{(QL) 11} filled with the fruit of righteousness^(QM) that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

¹² Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,^[af] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. ¹³ As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard^[ag] and to everyone else that I am in chains^(QN) for Christ. ¹⁴ And because of my chains,^(QO) most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.^(QP)

¹⁵ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶ The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.^{(QQ) 17} The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,^(QR) not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.^{(QS) 18} But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹ for I know that through your prayers^(QT) and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ^(QU) what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.^{[ah](QV) 20} I eagerly expect^(QW) and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage^(QX) so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,^(QY) whether by life or by death.^{(QZ) 21} For to me, to live is Christ^(RA) and to die is gain. ²² If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³ I am torn between the two: I desire to depart^(RB) and be with Christ,^(RC) which is better by far; ²⁴ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵ Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Life Worthy of the Gospel

²⁷ Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy^(RD) of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm^(RE) in the one Spirit,^[ai] striving together^(RF) as one for the faith of the gospel ²⁸ without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. ²⁹ For it has been granted to you^(RG) on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer^(RH) for him, ³⁰ since you are going through the same struggle^(RI) you saw^(RJ) I had, and now hear^(RK) that I still have.

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,^(RL) if any tenderness and compassion,^{(RM) 2} then make my joy complete^(RN) by being like-minded,^(RO) having the same love, being one^(RP) in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.^(RQ) Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,^{(RR) 4} not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.^(RS)

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:^(RT)

Do Everything Without Grumbling

¹² Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,^{(SG) 13} for it is God who works in you^(SH) to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.^(SI)

¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling^(SJ) or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless^(SK) and pure, “children of God^(SL) without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[al](SM) Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ^(SN) that I did not run^(SO) or labor in vain.^{(SP) 17} But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering^(SQ) on the sacrifice^(SR) and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.^{(SS) 18} So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy^(ST) to you soon,^(SU) that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. ²⁰ I have no one else like him,^(SV) who will show genuine concern for your welfare. ²¹ For everyone looks out for their own interests,^(SW) not those of Jesus Christ. ²² But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father^(SX) he has served with me in the work of the gospel. ²³ I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.^{(SY) 24} And I am confident^(SZ) in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

²⁵ But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker^(TA) and fellow soldier,^(TB) who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.^{(TC) 26} For he longs for all of you^(TD) and is distressed because you heard he was ill. ²⁷ Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ Therefore I am all the more eager to send him,^(TE) so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. ²⁹ So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,^{(TF) 30} because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.^(TG)

No Confidence in the Flesh

3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again,^(TH) and it is a safeguard for you. ² Watch out for those dogs,^(TI) those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. ³ For it is we who are the circumcision,^(TJ) we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus,^(TK) and who put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴ though I myself have reasons for such confidence.^(TL)

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised^(TM) on the eighth day, of the people of Israel,^(TN) of the tribe of Benjamin,^(TO) a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;^{(TP) 6} as for zeal,^(TQ) persecuting the church;^(TR) as for righteousness based on the law,^(TS) faultless.

⁷ But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss^(TT) for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing^(TU) Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ^{(TV) 9} and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,^(TW) but that which is through faith in^[am] Christ—the righteousness^(TX) that comes from God on the basis of faith.^{(TY) 10} I want to know^(TZ) Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings,^(UA) becoming like him in his death,^{(UB) 11} and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection^(UC) from the dead.

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,^(UD) but I press on to take hold^(UE) of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.^{(UF) 13} Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind^(UG) and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on^(UH) toward the goal to win the prize^(UI) for which God has called^(UJ) me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Following Paul’s Example

¹⁵ All of us, then, who are mature^(UK) should take such a view of things.^(UL) And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.^{(UM) 16} Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

¹⁷ Join together in following my example,^(UN) brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.^{(UO) 18} For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears,^(UP) many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.^{(UQ) 19} Their destiny^(UR) is destruction, their god is their stomach,^(US) and their glory is in their shame.^(UT) Their mind is set on earthly things.^{(UU) 20} But our citizenship^(UV) is in heaven.^(UW) And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,^{(UX) 21} who, by the power^(UY) that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies^(UZ) so that they will be like his glorious body.^(VA)

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,^(VB) my joy and crown, stand firm^(VC) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

² I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind^(VD) in the Lord. ³ Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers,^(VE) whose names are in the book of life.^(VF)

Final Exhortations

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!^{(VG) 5} Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.^{(VH) 6} Do not be anxious about anything,^(VI) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.^{(VJ) 7} And the peace of God,^(VK) which transcends all understanding,^(VL) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.^(VM) And the God of peace^(VN) will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.^(VO) Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content^(VP) whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,^(VQ) whether living in plenty or in want.^{(VR) 13} I can do all this through him who gives me strength.^(VS)

¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share^(VT) in my troubles. ¹⁵ Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days^(VU) of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia,^(VV) not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;^{(VW) 16} for even when I was in Thessalonica,^(VX) you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.^{(VY) 17} Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.^{(VZ) 18} I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus^(WA) the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant^(WB) offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs^(WC) according to the riches of his glory^(WD) in Christ Jesus.

²⁰ To our God and Father^(WE) be glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(WF)

Final Greetings

²¹ Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me^(WG) send greetings. ²² All God’s people^(WH) here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ^(WI) be with your spirit.^(WJ) Amen.^[an]

1 Paul, an apostle^(WK) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,^(WL) and Timothy^(WM) our brother,

² To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters^[ao] in Christ:

Grace^(WN) and peace to you from God our Father.^[ap](WO)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

³ We always thank God,^(WP) the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, ⁴ because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love^(WQ) you have for all God’s people^(WR)— ⁵ the faith and love that spring from the hope^(WS) stored up for you in heaven^(WT) and about which you have already heard in the true message^(WU) of the gospel ⁶ that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit^(WV) and growing throughout the whole world^(WW)—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. ⁷ You learned it from Epaphras,^(WX) our dear fellow servant,^[aq] who is a faithful minister^(WY) of Christ on our^[ar] behalf, ⁸ and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.^(WZ)

⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you,^(XA) we have not stopped praying for you.^(XB) We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will^(XC) through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,^{[as](XD) 10} so that you may live a life worthy^(XE) of the Lord and please him^(XF) in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,^{(XG) 11} being strengthened with all power^(XH) according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,^{(XI) 12} and giving joyful thanks to the Father,^(XJ) who has qualified you^[at] to share in the inheritance^(XK) of his holy people in the kingdom of light.^{(XL) 13} For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness^(XM) and brought us into the kingdom^(XN) of the Son he loves,^{(XO) 14} in whom we have redemption,^(XP) the forgiveness of sins.^(XQ)

The Supremacy of the Son of God

¹⁵ The Son is the image^(XR) of the invisible God,^(XS) the firstborn^(XT) over all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created:^(XU) things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;^(XV) all things have been created through him and for him.^{(XW) 17} He is before all things,^(XX) and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head^(XY) of the body, the church;^(XZ) he is the beginning and the firstborn^(YA) from among the dead,^(YB) so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ¹⁹ For God was pleased^(YC) to have all his fullness^(YD) dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile^(YE) to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven,^(YF) by making peace^(YG) through his blood,^(YH) shed on the cross.

²¹ Once you were alienated from God and were enemies^(YI) in your minds^(YJ) because of^[au] your evil behavior. ²² But now he has reconciled^(YK) you by Christ’s physical body^(YL) through death to present you^(YM) holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation^(YN)— ²³ if you continue^(YO) in your faith, established^(YP) and firm, and do not move from the hope^(YQ) held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven,^(YR) and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.^(YS)

Paul’s Labor for the Church

²⁴ Now I rejoice^(YT) in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions,^(YU) for the sake of his body, which is the church.^{(YV) 25} I have become its servant^(YW) by the commission God gave me^(YX) to present to you the word of God^(YY) in its fullness— ²⁶ the mystery^(YZ) that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. ²⁷ To them God has chosen to make known^(ZA) among the Gentiles the glorious riches^(ZB) of this mystery, which is Christ in you,^(ZC) the hope of glory.

²⁸ He is the one we proclaim, admonishing^(ZD) and teaching everyone with all wisdom,^(ZE) so that we may present everyone fully mature^(ZF) in Christ. ²⁹ To this end I strenuously^(ZG) contend^(ZH) with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.^(ZI)

2 I want you to know how hard I am contending^(ZJ) for you and for those at Laodicea,^(ZK) and for all who have not met me personally. ² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart^(ZL) and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery^(ZM) of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.^{(ZN) 4} I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.^{(ZO) 5} For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit^(ZP) and delight to see how disciplined^(ZQ) you are and how firm^(ZR) your faith in Christ^(ZS) is.

Spiritual Fullness in Christ

⁶ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,^(ZT) continue to live your lives in him, ⁷ rooted^(ZU) and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,^(ZV) and overflowing with thankfulness.

⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,^(ZW) which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[av] of this world^(ZX) rather than on Christ.

⁹ For in Christ all the fullness^(ZY) of the Deity lives in bodily form, ¹⁰ and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head^(ZZ) over every power and authority.^{(AAA) 11} In him you were also circumcised^(AAB) with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh^[aw](AAC) was put off when you were circumcised by^[ax] Christ, ¹² having been buried with him in baptism,^(AAD) in which you were also raised with him^(AAE) through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.^(AAF)

¹³ When you were dead in your sins^(AAG) and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you^[ay] alive^(AAH) with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,^{(AAI) 14} having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness,^(AAJ) which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.^{(AAK) 15} And having disarmed the powers and authorities,^(AAL) he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them^(AAM) by the cross.^[az]

Freedom From Human Rules

¹⁶ Therefore do not let anyone judge you^(AAN) by what you eat or drink,^(AAO) or with regard to a religious festival,^(AAP) a New Moon celebration^(AAQ) or a Sabbath day.^{(AAR) 17} These are a shadow of the things that were to come;^(AAS) the reality, however, is found in Christ. ¹⁸ Do not let anyone who delights in false humility^(AAT) and the worship of angels disqualify you.^(AAU) Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. ¹⁹ They have lost connection with the head,^(AAV) from whom the whole body,^(AAW) supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.^(AAX)

²⁰ Since you died with Christ^(AAY) to the elemental spiritual forces of this world,^(AAZ) why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:^{(ABA) 21} “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? ²² These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish^(ABB) with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.^{(ABC) 23} Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility^(ABD) and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,^(ABE) set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.^{(ABF) 2} Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.^{(ABG) 3} For you died,^(ABH) and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is your^[ba] life,^(ABI) appears,^(ABJ) then you also will appear with him in glory.^(ABK)

⁵ Put to death,^(ABL) therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:^(ABM) sexual immorality,^(ABN) impurity, lust, evil desires and greed,^(ABO) which is idolatry.^{(ABP) 6} Because of these, the wrath of God^(ABQ) is coming.^{[bb] 7} You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.^{(ABR) 8} But now you must also rid yourselves^(ABS) of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander,^(ABT) and filthy language from your lips.^{(ABU) 9} Do not lie to each other,^(ABV) since you have taken off your old self^(ABW) with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self,^(ABX) which is being renewed^(ABY) in knowledge in the image of its Creator.^{(ABZ) 11} Here there is no Gentile or Jew,^(ACA) circumcised or uncircumcised,^(ACB) barbarian, Scythian, slave or free,^(ACC) but Christ is all,^(ACD) and is in all.

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

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ^(ACL) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body^(ACM) you were called to peace.^(ACN) And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ^(ACO) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom^(ACP) through psalms,^(ACQ) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.^{(ACR) 17} And whatever you do,^(ACS) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks^(ACT) to God the Father through him.

Instructions for Christian Households^(ACU)

¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands,^(ACV) 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,^[bc] 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^(ACW) from the Lord as a reward.^(ACX) It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ²⁵ Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.^(ACY)

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

Further Instructions

² Devote yourselves to prayer,^(ADA) being watchful and thankful. ³ And pray for us, too, that God may open a door^(ADB) for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery^(ADC) of Christ, for which I am in chains.^{(ADD) 4} Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. ⁵ Be wise^(ADE) in the way you act toward outsiders;^(ADF) make the most of every opportunity.^{(ADG) 6} Let your conversation be always full of grace,^(ADH) seasoned with salt,^(ADI) so that you may know how to answer everyone.^(ADJ)

Final Greetings

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

¹⁰ My fellow prisoner Aristarchus^(ADP) sends you his greetings, as does Mark,^(ADQ) the cousin of Barnabas.^(ADR) (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^[bf] among my co-workers^(ADS) for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. ¹² Epaphras,^(ADT) who is one of you^(ADU) and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you,^(ADV) that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature^(ADW) and fully assured. ¹³ I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea^(ADX) and Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Our dear friend Luke,^(ADY) the doctor, and Demas^(ADZ) send greetings. ¹⁵ Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea,^(AEA) and to Nympha and the church in her house.^(AEB)

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

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

¹⁸ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.^(AEF) Remember^(AEG) my chains.^(AEH) Grace be with you.^(AEI)