4:1  MASTERS, [on your part] deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that also you have a Master in heaven.

4:2  Be earnest {and} unwearied {and} steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert {and} intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving.

4:3  And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ (the Messiah) on account of which I am in prison;

4:4  That I may proclaim it fully {and} make it clear [speak boldly and unfold that mystery], as is my duty.

4:5  Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time {and} seizing (buying up) the opportunity.

4:6  Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you].

4:7  Tychicus will give you full information about my affairs; [he is] a much-loved brother and faithful ministering assistant and fellow servant [with us] in the Lord.

4:8  I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are faring and that he may comfort {and} cheer {and} encourage your hearts.

4:9  And with [him is] Onesimus, [our] faithful and beloved brother, who is [one] of yourselves. They will let you know everything that has taken place here [in Rome].

4:10  Aristarchus my fellow prisoner wishes to be remembered to you, as does Mark the relative of Barnabas. You received instructions concerning him; if he comes to you give him a [hearty] welcome.

4:11  And [greetings also from] Jesus, who is called Justus. These [Hebrew Christians] alone of the circumcision are among my fellow workers for [the extension of] God's kingdom, and they have proved a relief {and} a comfort to me.

4:12  Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. [He is] always striving for you earnestly in his prayers, [pleading] that you may [as persons of ripe character and clear conviction] stand firm {and} mature [in spiritual growth], convinced {and} fully assured in everything willed by God.

4:13  For I bear him testimony that he has labored hard in your behalf and for [the believers] in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.

4:14  Luke the beloved physician and Demas salute you.

4:15  Give my greetings to the brethren at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the assembly (the church) which meets in her house.

4:16  And when this epistle has been read before you, [see] that it is read also in the assembly (the church) of the Laodiceans, and also [see] that you yourselves in turn read the [letter that comes to you] from Laodicea.

4:17  And say to Archippus, See that you discharge carefully [the duties of] the ministry {and} fulfill the stewardship which you have received in the Lord.

4:18  I, Paul, [add this final] greeting, writing with my own hand. Remember I am still in prison {and} in chains. May grace (God's unmerited favor and blessing) be with you! {Amen (so be it).}