Colossians 4 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.

Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Stay devoted to prayer — stay sharp and alert in it, with a heart full of thanks.

And pray for us too — that God would open a door for the message, so we can speak the mystery of The One. That's exactly why I'm in chains right now.

Pray that I'll make it clear the way I should.

Be wise in how you act toward outsiders — make the most of every opportunity.

Let your conversation always be full of generous favor, seasoned with salt, so you know how to respond to each person.

Tychicus will tell you everything about how I'm doing. He's a dear brother, a faithful servant, and a fellow worker under the Master.

I'm sending him to you for this exact reason — so you'll know how we're doing, and so he can encourage your hearts.

He's coming with Onesimus, a faithful and dear brother who is one of your own. They'll fill you in on everything happening here.

Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends his greetings. So does Mark, Barnabas's cousin — you've already gotten instructions about him: if he comes to you, welcome him.

And Jesus, the one called Justus, sends greetings too. These are the only Jewish co-workers I have for the work of God's kingdom, and they've been a real comfort to me.

Epaphras, who is one of your own and a worker for The One Jesus, sends his greetings. He's always wrestling for you in prayer, that you'll stand firm — fully mature, fully convinced of everything God wants.

I can vouch for him — he works incredibly hard for you, and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

Luke, the dear doctor, sends greetings, and so does Demas.

Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and those who gather in her house.

After this letter has been read among you, make sure it also gets read to those who gather in Laodicea. And make sure you read the letter coming from Laodicea too.

And tell Archippus: "Make sure you complete the work the Master has given you."

This greeting is in my own handwriting — Paul. Remember my chains. May generous favor be with you.