Now therefore as elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercy, kindness, humbleness of minde, meekness, long suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another (if any man have a quarrel to another) even as Christ forgave you, even so do ye. Above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness, and the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which peace ye are called in one body: and see that ye be thankful.
Let the word of God dwell in you plenteously in all wisdom. Teach and exhort your own selves, in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs which have favour with them, singing in your hearts to the lord. And all things (whatsoever ye do in word or deed) do in the name of the lord Iesu, giving thanks to God the father by him.
Wives submit your own selves unto your own husbands, as it is comely in the lord. Husbands love your wives and be not bitter unto them. Children obey your fathers and mothers, in all things, for that is well pleasing unto the lord. Fathers rate not your children, lest they be of a desperate mind. Servants be obedient unto your bodily masters in all things: not with eye service as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart fearing God. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as though ye did it to the lord, and not unto men, remembering that of the lord ye shall receive the reward of inheritance, for ye serve the lord Christ. But he that doth wrong shall receive for the wrong that he hath done: for there is no respect of persons.
The .iiij. Chapter.
Ye masters do unto your servants that which is just and egal, remembering that ye have also a master in heaven.
Continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving, praying also for us that God open unto us the door of utterance, that we may speak the mystery of Christ (wherefore I am also in bonds) that I may utter it, as it becometh me to speak. Walk wisely to them that are without, and redeem the time. Let your speech alwaye have faveoure with it and be salted, that ye may know how to answer every man.
The dear brother Tichicos shall tell you of all my business, which is a faithful minister, and fellow servant in the lord, whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know how ye do, and might comfort your hearts, with one Onesimus a faithful, and a beloved brother, which is one of you. They shall shew you of all things which are a doing here.
Aristarchus my prison fellow saluteth you, And Marcus Barnabas' sister's son: touching whom, ye received commandments. If he come unto you receive him: and Iesus which is called Iustus, which are of the circumcision. These only are my workfellows unto the kingdom of God, which were unto my consolation. Epaphras the servant of Christ, which is one of you, saluteth you, and always laboureth fervently for you in prayers that ye may stand perfect, and full in all that is the will of God. I bear him record that he hath a fervent mind toward you, and toward them of Laodicia and them of Hierapolis. Dear Lucas the physician greeteth you, and Demas. Salute the brethren which are of Laodicia, and salute Nymphas, and the congregation which is in his house. And when the pistel is read of you, make that it be read in the congregation of the Laodicians also: and that ye likewise read the pistel of Laodicia. And say to Archippus: Take heed to thine office that thou hast received in the lord, that thou fulfil it. The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds Grace be with you, Amen.
Sent from Rome by Tichicus, and Onesimus.