1Those of you in positions of responsibility in the workplace, be sure to treat your employees in ways that are right and honourable, because you know that you will be held accountable by your Master in heaven.Be devoted in prayer2Be sure that you are devoted in prayer, that you have a disciplined prayer life so that you are alert spiritually, living in dependence on the Lord and thankful to Him in all things.3-4Pray for us as well, that He will provide ready-made opportunities for us to proclaim the message of Christ, in order to give people revelation of the truth. I am held captive for doing this; yet even so I want to proclaim the message of the Kingdom clearly in the way that I should.Be wise with unbelievers5You have to be wise in the way you behave towards unbelievers and to make the most of every opportunity you have to share the gospel with them.6You will need to be gracious in the way you speak, and able to answer the questions asked of you. Your words can come as salt to bring seasoning into tasteless lives.7-8I am sending Tychicus to you so he can bring you further news about my circumstances. He is a dear and faithful brother, a fellow minister and the Lord's true servant. What he tells you will encourage your hearts.9Onesimus, another faithful and dear brother, will come with him. He is one with you and will tell you all about what is taking place here.10Aristarchus is held prisoner with me and sends you his greetings, as does Mark, Barnabas' cousin. If he comes to visit you, welcome him in the way you have already been instructed.11Jesus Justus also greets you. These are the only Jewish brethren who work with me for God's Kingdom and they have each been used to bless and encourage me.12Epaphras, one of your own servants of Christ Jesus, greets you. He continues to wrestle in prayer for you so that you will be strong in doing God's will, showing your maturity in the faith and how confident you are in the Lord.13I can assure you that he works so hard for you and your fellow believers at Laodicea and Hierapolis.14Our dear brothers Dr. Luke and Demas also greet you.15Please pass my own greetings onto the brothers at Laodicea, and the church that meets at Nympha's house.16When you have read this letter and taken note of what I have said, pass it on to the church at Laodicea. Be sure that in return you receive the letter I wrote to the Laodiceans.17I have a message for Archippus: "Make certain that you finish the work the Lord gave as His commission to you."18I, Paul, write this final greeting in my own hand. Remember me in my chains. The Lord's grace be with you always.
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from THE TRUTH VERSION. Copyright © 2009 by Colin Urquhart. All rights reserved worldwide. (The Truth New Testament)