to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: grace to you and peace from God our Father.

if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a minister.

that their hearts may be encouraged as they are knit together in love, to have all the riches of assured understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ himself,

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

These things are only a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.

(referring to things which are all destined perish with use), according to human commandments and teachings?

These indeed have an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but they are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

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

Slaves, in everything obey those who are your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.

knowing that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

and also Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved to be a comfort to me.

I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.