Col 4 | HCSB | STEP | Masters , supply your slaves with what is right and fair , since you know that you too have a Master in heaven .

Colossians 4

1 Masters, ^a supply your ^{▼▼slave: The strong Greek word doulos cannot be accurately translated in English by "servant" or "bond servant"; the HCSB translates this word as "slave," not out of insensitivity to the legitimate concerns of modern English speakers, but out of a commitment to accurately convey the brutal reality of the Roman empire's inhumane institution as well as the ownership called for by Christ.}slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.

Speaking to God and Others

2 Devote yourselves ^c to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door ^d to us for the message, to speak the ^{▼▼Mystery: Transliteration of the Greek word mysterion; a secret hidden in the past but now revealed}mystery of the ^{▼▼Messiah: Or the Christ; the Greek word Christos means "the anointed one".}Messiah, ^g for which I am in prison, ^h 4 so that I may reveal it as I am required to speak. 5 Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. ⁱ 6 Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, ^j so that you may know how you should answer each person. ^k

Christian Greetings

7 Tychicus, ^l our dearly loved brother, faithful ^m servant, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are ^{▼▼Other mss read that he may know how you are} and so that he may encourage ^o your hearts. ^p 9 He is with Onesimus, ^q a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as does Mark, ^r Barnabas’s ^s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 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. 12 Epaphras, ^t who is one of you, a slave of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always contending ^u for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured ^{▼▼Other mss read and complete} in everything God wills. ^w 13 For I testify about him that he works hard ^{▼▼Other mss read he has a great zeal
,} ^y for you, for those in Laodicea, ^z and for those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas ^aa greet you. 15 Give my greetings to the ^{▼▼brother(s): The Greek word adelphoi can be used as a reference to males only or to groups that include males and females. It is the context of each usage that determines the proper meaning.}brothers in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home. ^ac 16 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. 17 And tell Archippus, ^ad “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.” ^ae

18 This greeting is in my own hand – Paul. Remember my imprisonment. ^af Grace be with you. ^{▼▼Other mss add Amen.
,} ^ah