1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is just {dikaion: righteous standard} and equal, knowing that you also have a Master {Kyrios, True Master} in heaven.
2 Persevere in prayer {proseuche: reverent petition}, keeping watch in it with thanksgiving {eucharistia: grateful acknowledgment}.
3 Praying at the same time, also concerning us, that God {Theos, Opener of Ministry Doors} might open for us a door {thura: ministry opportunity} for the word, to speak the mystery {mysterion: revealed gospel secret} of Christ {Christos, Focus of the Message}, for which also I am bound.
4 In order that I may make it clear {phaneroo: fully manifest}, as it is necessary for me to speak {laleo: verbal proclamation}.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders {exo: those outside}, redeeming the time {kairon: opportune moment}.
6 Let your speech at all times be in grace {chariti: favor shown} and seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each one {hekastō: every individual}.
7 Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord {Kyrios, Sphere Of Service}, will make known {gnorisei: declare fully} to you all the things concerning me.
8 Whom I have sent to you for this very purpose {touto: specific intent}, so that you may know the things concerning us and he may comfort your hearts {kardias: inner being, emotions}.
9 With Onesimus {Onesimos: restored coworker}, the faithful {pistos: trustworthy character} and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is happening here.
10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner {sunaichmalotos: imprisoned companion}, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas—concerning whom you have received instructions {entolas: prior directions}—if he comes to you, receive him.
11 And Jesus, who is called Justus, these are the ones from the circumcision {peritome: Jewish-background believers}; these alone are fellow workers for the kingdom of God {basileia tou Theou, Sovereign Reign}, who became a comfort to me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ {Christos, Exalted Master}, greets you. He is always striving for you in his prayers, so that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God {Theos, Sovereign Will-Giver}.
13 For I bear witness {marturo: solemnly affirm} to him that he has much toil {ponos: strenuous effort} for you and for those in Laodicea and for those in Hierapolis.
14 Luke the beloved physician {iatros: respected healer} greets you, and so does Demas {Demas: trusted coworker}.
15 Greet the brothers {adelphous: fellow believers} in Laodicea, and Nympha, and the church in her house {oikos: household dwelling}.
16 And whenever the letter is read among you, ensure that it is also read in the assembly {ekklesia: local congregation} of the Laodiceans; and that you likewise read the letter from Laodicea {Laodikeia: nearby sister church}.
17 And say to Archippus, “See to the ministry {diakonia: sacred service} which you received in the Lord {kurios, Sovereign Giver of Work}, so that you may fulfill it.”
18 The greeting {aspasmos: written farewell} is by my own hand, Paul. Remember my chains {desmon: imprisonment restraints}. Grace be with you.