1You masters, treat your servants in a way that is right and fair, recognizing that you too have a Master in heaven.

2Remember to keep on praying, with an alert and thankful mind!

3Pray for us too that God may open a door of opportunity to spread the message, to tell about the revealed mystery of Christ—which is the reason I'm here in prison.

4Pray that I may make it as clear as I should when I speak.

5Behave wisely with outsiders, making the best use of every opportunity.

6Always be gracious when you speak. Make sure it's in good taste, and think about how best to answer everyone.

7Tychicus will tell you all about what's happening to me. He's a dear brother, a trustworthy minister and co-worker in the Lord.

8I'm sending him to you for this very reason—so that you'll know how things are with me and this will cheer you up.

9Onesimus is going with him too, a trusted and dear brother, who's one of you. They'll explain to you everything that's going on here.

10Aristarchus who's with me here in prison sends his best wishes; likewise Mark, Barnabas' cousin (you've already had instructions to welcome him if he visits you),

11and Jesus—also called Justus—who are the only Jewish Christians ¹⁴among those working with me here for the kingdom of God, men who have been a great help to me.

12Epaphras who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends his greetings. He's always passionate in his prayers on your behalf, praying that you'll stand firm as grown-up Christians, totally convinced about everything as God would want.

13For the record I can tell you that he's done a lot for you, and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis as well.

14Luke, our dear doctor, and Demas also send their best.

15Greet the believers that are in Laodicea—Nympha too, and the church that meets in her house.

16And when this letter has been read to you, make sure it's read to the church in Laodicea too, and that you also read the letter sent to Laodicea.

17Tell Archippus, “See that you follow through in doing the ministry God gave you.”

18I, Paul, write my closing greetings with my own hand. Remember I'm in prison. Grace be with you.