From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

for all things in heaven and on earth were created by him -- all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers -- all things were created through him and for him.

and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross -- through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

but now he has reconciled you by his physical body through death to present you holy, without blemish, and blameless before him --

We proclaim him by instructing and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ.

My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ,

Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

In him you also were circumcised -- not, however, with a circumcision performed by human hands, but by the removal of the fleshly body, that is, through the circumcision done by Christ.

He has destroyed what was against us, a certificate of indebtedness expressed in decrees opposed to us. He has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.

Disarming the rulers and authorities, he has made a public disgrace of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Let no one who delights in humility and the worship of angels pass judgment on you. That person goes on at great lengths about what he has supposedly seen, but he is puffed up with empty notions by his fleshly mind.

Even though they have the appearance of wisdom with their self-imposed worship and false humility achieved by an unsparing treatment of the body -- a wisdom with no true value -- they in reality result in fleshly indulgence.

When Christ (who is your life) appears, then you too will be revealed in glory with him.

Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful.

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

For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there are no exceptions.

Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.

I, Paul, write this greeting by my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.