by whom we have been ransomed from captivity through having our sins forgiven.

At present I am glad to be suffering in your interest, and I am making up in my own person what is lacking in Christ's sufferings for the church, which is his body.

to whom God has chosen to make known among the heathen how glorious this mystery of Christ in you, the promise of glorification, really is.

That is what I am working for, fighting with all the energy with which he so mightily endows me.

For I want you to know what a fight I am putting up for you and for our brothers in Laodicea, and for all who do not know me personally,

For though I am absent from you in person I am with you in spirit, and I am glad to observe your harmony and the solidity of your faith in Christ.

Pray for me too, that God may give me an opening for the message, and let me tell the secret of Christ on account of which I am kept in prison

I am sending him to you for the express purpose of letting you know my circumstances, and of cheering your hearts.

This farewell is in my own hand, from Paul. Remember that I am in prison. God bless you.