Letters to the Churches

Above all these, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together perfectly;

and let the shalom which comes from the Messiah be your heart’s decision-maker, for this is why you were called to be part of a single Body. And be thankful —

let the Word of the Messiah, in all its richness, live in you, as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts.

That is, everything you do or say, do in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Wives, subject yourselves to your husbands, as is appropriate in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives and don’t treat them harshly.

Children, obey your parents in everything; for this pleases the Lord.

Fathers, don’t irritate your children and make them resentful, or they will become discouraged.

Slaves, obey your human masters in everything, not serving only when they are watching you, to win their favor, but single-heartedly, fearing the Lord.

Whatever work you do, put yourself into it, as those who are serving not merely other people, but the Lord.

Remember that as your reward, you will receive the inheritance from the Lord. You are slaving for the Lord, for the Messiah.

Don’t worry — whoever is doing wrong will be paid in kind for his wrong, and there is no favoritism shown.

Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly. Remember that you too have a Master in heaven.

Keep persisting in prayer, staying alert in it and being thankful.

Include prayer for us, too, that God may open a door for us to proclaim the message about the secret of the Messiah — for that is why I am in prison.

And pray that I may speak, as I should, in a way that makes the message clear.

Behave wisely toward outsiders, making full use of every opportunity —

let your conversation always be gracious and interesting, so that you will know how to respond to any particular individual.

Our dear brother Tychicus, who is a faithful worker and fellow-slave in the Lord, will give you all the news about me.

I have sent him to you for this very reason — so that you might know how we are, and so that he might encourage you.

I have sent him with Onesimus, the dear and faithful brother, who is one of you; they will tell you everything that has happened here.

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends greetings, as does Mark, Bar-Nabba’s cousin, concerning whom you have received instructions — if he comes to you, welcome him.

Yeshua, the one called Justus, also sends greetings. These three are among the Circumcised; and among my fellow workers for the Kingdom of God, only they have turned out to be a comfort to me.

Epaphras sends greetings; he is one of you, a slave of the Messiah Yeshua who always agonizes in his prayer on your behalf, praying that you may stand firm, mature and fully confident, as you devote yourselves completely to God’s will.

For I can testify to him that he works hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.