Letters to the Churches

And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.

Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.

Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men,

because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

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

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,

as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.

Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord.

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.

With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him.

Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God.

For I testify about him that he goes to great pains for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.