Walk Wisely, Pray Faithfully

Paul asks prayer that our Father would open a door for the message even while he is in chains, urges gracious, salted speech toward outsiders, then names his friends one by one — Tychicus, Onesimus, Epaphras praying hard for them, Luke, Mark.

Chapter 4.

Masters, give your slaves what's right and fair—you too have a Master in heaven.

Devote yourselves to prayer, staying alert in it with thanksgiving. Pray for us too, that our Father would open a door for us to share the message, to declare Christ's mystery, for which I'm also in chains, that I may make it clear, as I ought to speak.

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of every opportunity. Always speak with grace, seasoned with salt, knowing how to answer each one. ^a

Beloved Fellow Workers

Tychicus, our dear brother, faithful servant, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all about me. I sent him to you for this purpose: that you may know our circumstances, and he may encourage your hearts, with Onesimus, the faithful, dear brother, one of you. They will tell you everything here.

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, and Mark, Barnabas's cousin, greet you—you received instructions about him: welcome him if he comes to you, and Jesus, called Justus—the only Jews among my co-workers for our Father's kingdom; they have comforted me.

Epaphras, one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling for you in prayer, so you may stand mature and fully assured in everything our Father wills. I can say he's worked hard for you, those in Laodicea, and Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved doctor, greets you, and so does Demas.

Greet the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and Nympha and the church in her house. When this letter is read among you, have it read in the Laodicean church too, and read the one from Laodicea as well. And tell Archippus, "Make sure you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord."

I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.