For I would have you know in how severe a struggle I am engaged on behalf of you and the brethren in Laodicea and of all who have not known me personally,

In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision not performed by hand, when you threw off your sinful nature in true Christian circumcision;

Such a one does not keep his hold upon Christ, the Head, from whom the Body, in all its parts nourished and strengthened by its points of contact and its connections, grows with a divine growth.

"Do not handle this;" "Do not taste that;" "Do not touch that other thing" --

These rules have indeed an appearance of wisdom where self-imposed worship exists, and an affectation of humility and an ascetic severity. But not one of them is of any value in combating the indulgence of our lower natures.

Give your minds to the things that are above, not to the things that are on the earth.

Do not speak falsehoods to one another, for you have stripped off the old self with its doings,

Married men, be affectionate to your wives, and do not treat them harshly.

Fathers, do not fret and harass your children, or you may make them sullen and morose.

Slaves, be obedient in everything to your earthly masters; not in acts of eye service, as aiming only to please men, but with simplicity of purpose, because you fear the Lord.

Whatever you are doing, let your hearts be in your work, as a thing done for the Lord and not for men.