For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

That is why, from the day I first heard of it, I have never given up praying for you and asking God to fill you, through full spiritual wisdom and insight, with a clear knowledge of what his will is,

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

Of which, I, have become minister - according to the administration of God which hath been given unto me to you-ward, to fill up the word of God,

the open secret, covered up from the people of former ages and generations, but now uncovered to God's people,

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,

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge [regarding the word and purposes of God].

Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him [to a new life] through [your] faith in the working of God, [as displayed] when He raised Christ from the dead.

Having blotted out the handwriting against us by the decrees, which was hostile to us, - and hath taken away, the same, out of the midst, nailing it up to the cross:

He rid himself of all the Powers of Evil, and held them up to open contempt, when he celebrated his triumph over them on the cross!

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

"You must not handle," "You must not taste," "You must not touch"??22 referring to things that are all meant to be used up and destroyed? This is to follow mere human rules and regulations.

All these regulations refer to what is destroyed by being used up; they are commands and doctrines of men.

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

putting up with one another and forgiving one another. If anyone should have a complaint against anyone, just as also the Lord forgave you, thus also you [do the same].

And let the peace of God set up its throne in your hearts, whereunto also ye have been called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

You fathers [Note: By implication, this would include both parents] should not stir up your children [i.e., irritate or exasperate them], so that they do not become discouraged.

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;

Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with outsiders (non-believers), make the most of each opportunity [treating it as something precious].

Epaphras, one of your own number, a slave of Christ Jesus, wishes to be remembered to you. He is always standing up for you in his prayers that you may stand fast, like men of mature convictions, whatever God's will for you may be.