Colossians 4
What Happens in This Chapter
Paul finishes his letter to the church in Colossae. He tells masters to treat their servants fairly, tells everyone to keep praying, and tells them to be wise and kind when they talk with people outside the church. Then he names the friends who are with him, sends greetings from them, and asks that this letter be shared with the church in Laodicea. He signs the end in his own handwriting and asks them to remember that he is in chains.
Plain reading written for kids. Short sentences, everyday words, one idea at a time.
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
1If you are a master, with servants who work for you, be fair. Give your servants what is right. Remember that you have a Master in heaven too.
2Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
2Keep on praying. Stay awake and pay attention while you pray. And say thank you to God.
3Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
3Pray for us too. Ask God to open a door for our words. Then we can tell people about Christ, the secret God has now shown. That is why I am in chains.
"In bonds" means Paul was locked up and tied with chains. "The mystery of Christ" means a plan God kept secret for a long time and has now told people.
4That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
4Pray that I will say it clearly, the way I should say it.
5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
5Be wise in how you act with people outside your group. Make good use of every chance you get.
6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
6Let your words always be kind. Make them like food with salt in it. Then you will know how to answer each person.
"Seasoned with salt" was a common saying long ago. Salt made food taste good, so this means words that are pleasant to listen to.
7All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
7Tychicus will tell you all my news. He is a dear brother. He is a helper you can trust, and he serves the Lord with me.
8Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
8That is why I am sending him to you. He can find out how you are doing. And he can cheer up your hearts.
9With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
9Onesimus is coming with him. He is a dear brother we can trust, and he is one of your own people. The two of them will tell you everything that is happening here.
10Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
10Aristarchus is in prison with me. He says hello. So does Mark, the close relative of Barnabas. You were already told about Mark. If he comes to you, welcome him.
The King James Bible says Mark was Barnabas's "sister's son." The word means a close family member, and many translations say cousin.
11And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
11Jesus, who is also called Justus, says hello. These men are Jewish. They are the only Jewish helpers working with me for God's kingdom. They have been a comfort to me.
12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
12Epaphras says hello. He is one of your own people, and he serves Christ. He prays hard for you all the time. He asks that you stand strong and grown up, sure of all that God wants.
13For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
13I can tell you that he works very hard for you. He works hard for the people in Laodicea and Hierapolis too. Those are two nearby towns.
14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
14Luke, our dear friend the doctor, says hello. Demas says hello too.
15Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
15Say hello to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea. Say hello to Nymphas and the church that meets in his house.
16And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
16When this letter is read to you, send it on. Have it read in the church at Laodicea too. And you should read the letter coming from Laodicea.
17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
17Tell Archippus this: pay careful attention to the job the Lord gave you. Be sure you finish it.
18The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
18I, Paul, am writing this last greeting with my own hand. Remember that I am in chains. May God be kind to you. Amen.
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