Paul wraps up this letter with instructions to various ones and general encouragement: Gleanings from Colossians 4...
" Now as far as those of you who might own slaves, always regard those who serve you with the utmost respect. Remember this: you to serve a Master...the Lord Himself who reigns in Heaven.
Never give up on prayer...both in its power and for the sake of others who are in need of God's help. And when you pray, keep your mind focused and alert to what you are doing, and have a heart of gratitude as you pray.
Include us in your prayers, that God will continue to create ways for us to share with others the Mystery of our Faith, even while I am in jail for doing so.
Also, pray the Good News we proclaim will be clear to all those who are listening and ready to receive.
Now, when it comes to general living and working daily with those around you who are not believers, use your head and make good use of your time. Be gracious to everyone, bring out the best in others, don't put them down, and by doing so anyone who might have questions in regard to your faith in Christ Jesus, will be attentive to what you say because of the respect you give them.
I'm sending Tychicus to you, he is a dear friend to me, and is faithful to Him. He will let you in on how we are doing here as well as encourage all of you.
Onesimus is coming along with Tychicus, and he is from your own group of believers. He too has proved faithful and together they will get you caught up with all the news of what's going on here with us.
Aristarchus is here with me in jail. He says a "hearty hello" as doe Mark (Barnabas cousin). In fact, if Mark comes your way, be sure to welcome him!
Now Jesus, who we call Justus also sends regards to all of you. All 3 of these guys are the only Jewish believers who work along with us. They have stuck with me through "thick and thin", and man, have they been a strength and comfort!
Another one from your area, Epaphras, sends his love and greetings as well. He is faithful in prayer for all of you...asking God to strengthen your faith in Him. make you strong, and be confident in knowing God's Will in your lives. This guy is a real prayer warrior and lifts up the believers in both Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Luke, our good friend and doctor, along with Demas, sends you their warm greetings.
Be sure to give my regards to all our friends in Laodicea, and also to Nympha and the believers who meet at her home.
After you have read this letter, be sure to pass it on to the believers in Laodicea. they too have a letter from me, and be sure to have that letter read to all of you.
Be sure to tell Archippus to follow through with what the Lord has given him to do.
Here then is my greeting to you in my own handwriting: Paul
Always keep us in your prayers: keep in mind we are still in prison with chains. May His Grace be forever yours! Amen
" Now as far as those of you who might own slaves, always regard those who serve you with the utmost respect. Remember this: you to serve a Master...the Lord Himself who reigns in Heaven.
Never give up on prayer...both in its power and for the sake of others who are in need of God's help. And when you pray, keep your mind focused and alert to what you are doing, and have a heart of gratitude as you pray.
Include us in your prayers, that God will continue to create ways for us to share with others the Mystery of our Faith, even while I am in jail for doing so.
Also, pray the Good News we proclaim will be clear to all those who are listening and ready to receive.
Now, when it comes to general living and working daily with those around you who are not believers, use your head and make good use of your time. Be gracious to everyone, bring out the best in others, don't put them down, and by doing so anyone who might have questions in regard to your faith in Christ Jesus, will be attentive to what you say because of the respect you give them.
I'm sending Tychicus to you, he is a dear friend to me, and is faithful to Him. He will let you in on how we are doing here as well as encourage all of you.
Onesimus is coming along with Tychicus, and he is from your own group of believers. He too has proved faithful and together they will get you caught up with all the news of what's going on here with us.
Aristarchus is here with me in jail. He says a "hearty hello" as doe Mark (Barnabas cousin). In fact, if Mark comes your way, be sure to welcome him!
Now Jesus, who we call Justus also sends regards to all of you. All 3 of these guys are the only Jewish believers who work along with us. They have stuck with me through "thick and thin", and man, have they been a strength and comfort!
Another one from your area, Epaphras, sends his love and greetings as well. He is faithful in prayer for all of you...asking God to strengthen your faith in Him. make you strong, and be confident in knowing God's Will in your lives. This guy is a real prayer warrior and lifts up the believers in both Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Luke, our good friend and doctor, along with Demas, sends you their warm greetings.
Be sure to give my regards to all our friends in Laodicea, and also to Nympha and the believers who meet at her home.
After you have read this letter, be sure to pass it on to the believers in Laodicea. they too have a letter from me, and be sure to have that letter read to all of you.
Be sure to tell Archippus to follow through with what the Lord has given him to do.
Here then is my greeting to you in my own handwriting: Paul
Always keep us in your prayers: keep in mind we are still in prison with chains. May His Grace be forever yours! Amen
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