Because of this also we, from the day we heard about [it], did not cease praying for you, and asking that you may be filled [with] the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual insight,

if indeed you remain in the faith, established and steadfast and not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and all those who have not seen my face {in person},

Beware lest {anyone take you captive} through philosophy and empty deceit, according to {human tradition}, according to the elemental spirits of the world and not according to Christ,

in whom also you were circumcised with a circumcision not made by hands, by the removal of the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,

Therefore do not let anyone judge you with reference to eating or drinking or participation in a feast or a new moon or a Sabbath,

and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by the ligaments and sinews, grows with the growth of God.

"Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch,"

which [things] {although they have}, to be sure, an appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and unsparing treatment of the body, {do not have any value} against the indulgence of the flesh.

Set your mind on the things above, not [on] the things on earth.

Do not lie to one another, [because you] have taken off the old man together with his deeds,

Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.

Fathers, do not provoke your children, so that they will not become discouraged.

Slaves, obey your {human} masters in everything, not {while being watched}, as people pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.

Whatever you do, accomplish [it] from the soul, as to the Lord, and not to people,