Study Desk

Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.^(af)

Husbands,^(ag) love your wives^(ah) and don't be bitter^(ai) toward them.

Children,^(aj) obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Fathers,^(ak) do not exasperate^(al) your children, so they won't become discouraged.

Slaves, obey your human^(am) masters in everything. Don't work only while being watched, in order to please men, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.^(an)

Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically,^[h] as something done for the Lord and not for men,^(ao)

²⁴knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.

²⁵For the wrongdoer^(ap) will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism.

Masters,^(a) supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.

Devote yourselves^(b) to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.

At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door^(c) to us for the message, to speak the mystery of the Messiah,^(d) for which I am in prison,^(e)

so that I may reveal it as I am required to speak.

Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.^(f)

Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt,^(g) so that you may know how you should answer each person.^(h)

Tychicus,⁽ⁱ⁾ our dearly loved brother, faithful^(j) servant, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are^[a] and so that he may encourage^(k) your hearts.^(l)

He is with Onesimus,^(m) a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as does Mark,⁽ⁿ⁾ Barnabas's^(o) cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),

and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcision are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

Epaphras,^(p) who is one of you, a slave of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always contending^(q) for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured^[b] in everything God wills.^(r)

For I testify about him that he works hard^[c](s) for you, for those in Laodicea,^(t) and for those in Hierapolis.

Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas^(u) greet you.

Give my greetings to the brothers in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home.^(v)

When this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

And tell Archippus,^(w) "Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it."^(x)

This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my imprisonment.^(y) Grace be with you.^[d](z)