1 Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal (at this time slavery was prevalent, they were considered as chattel); knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. (See Matt. 6:9,10.)
2 Continue in prayer (be persistent), and watch in it with thanksgiving; (To employee also.)
3 Withal praying for us also, in order that God would open to us a door of utterance (your ear. Cp. Matt. 13:35), to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I have been bound also: (Cp. Acts 22:21,22)
4 That I may make it manifest (cp. Eph. 6;20), as I ought to speak. (When you've got to tell it, pick right moment to do it.)
5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming (see Eph. 5:16) the time.
6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man. (Tell them who they can trust.)
7 All things concerning me shall Tychicus make known to you, the beloved brother, and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord:
8 Whom I sent to you for the same purpose, that he might know things concerning, and comfort your hearts;
9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known to you all things here.
10 Aristarchus (see Acts 19:29) my fellow-prisoner salutes you, and Marcus (Mark John, see Acts 12;12), cousin to Barnabas (see Acts 4:36), (touching whom you received commandments: if he come to you, receive him;)
11 And Jesus (cp. Acts 7:45), which is called Justus (see Acts 18:7), who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellow-workers (see 1 Cor. 3:9) to the kingdom of God, which have become a comfort to me. (These are all he recomends at this time.)
12 Epaphras (see 1:7), who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, salutes you, always striving for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Prayers from a servant of Christ can accomplish many things.)
13 For I bear him record (see 2 Cor. 8:3), that he has a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
14 Luke (wrote much of Paul's work), the beloved physician, and Demas (see 2 Tim 4:10), greet you.
15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas (not mentioned elsewhere), and the church which is in his house. (You can do this today, sometimes there is no synagogue.)
16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. (Share the letters, they are good for all. I.e. Ephesians.)
17 And say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it." (Don't let some soothsayer slip in.)
18 The salutation by my hand of Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.