Colossians 3–4

The New Life in Christ

³So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.^{* 2}Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth, ³for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.^{* 4}When Christ who is your^b life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.^*

⁵Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry).^{* 6}On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient.^{c* 7}These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life.^{d 8}But now you must get rid of all such things: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive^e language from your mouth.^{* 9}Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices ¹⁰and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator.^{* 11}In that renewal^f there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, enslaved and free, but Christ is all and in all!^*

¹²Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.^{* 13}Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord^g has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ¹⁴Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵And let the peace of Christ^h rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.^{* 16}Let the word of Christⁱ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.^{j* 17}And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.^*

Rules for Christian Households

¹⁸Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.^{* 19}Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.

²⁰Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord.^{* 21}Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart. ²²Slaves, obey your earthly masters^k in everything, not with a slavery performed merely for looks, to please people, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.^{l* 23}Whatever task you must do, work as if your soul depends on it, as for the Lord and not for humans, ²⁴since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.^{* 25}For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong has been done, and there is no partiality.^*

⁴Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, for you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Further Instructions

²Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.^{* 3}At the same time, pray for us as well, that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison,^{* 4}so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.

⁵Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.^{m* 6}Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.^*

Final Greetings and Benediction

⁷Tychicus will tell you all the news about me; he is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord.^{* 8}I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we areⁿ and that he may encourage your hearts; ⁹he is coming with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.^*

¹⁰Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him.^{* 11}And Jesus who is called Justus greets you. These are the only ones of the circumcision among my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. ¹²Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ,^o greets you. He is always striving in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured^p in everything that God wills.^{* 13}For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. ¹⁴Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.^{* 15}Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church in her^q house.^{* 16}And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. ¹⁷And say to Archippus, “See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord.”^*

¹⁸I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.^r*