To: The holy and faithful brothers in Colossae who are in union with the Messiah. May grace and peace from God our Father be yours!

You are being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might, so that you might patiently endure everything with joy

For by him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether they are kings, lords, rulers, or powers. All things have been created through him and for him.

Because they are united in love, I pray that their hearts may be encouraged by all the riches that come from a complete understanding of the full knowledge of the Messiah, who is the mystery of God.

In him are stored all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

For although I am physically absent, I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how stable you are and how firm your faith in the Messiah is.

For you have been rooted in him and are being built up and strengthened in the faith, just as you were taught, while you continue to be thankful.

These are a shadow of the things to come, but the reality belongs to the Messiah.

If you have died with the Messiah to the basic principles of the world, why are you submitting to its decrees as though you still lived in the world?

All of these things will be destroyed as they are used, because they are based on human commands and teachings.

Therefore, if you have been raised with the Messiah, keep focusing on the things that are above, where the Messiah is seated at the right hand of God.

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

It is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient.

You know that it is from the Lord that you will receive the inheritance as a reward. It is the Lord Messiah whom you are serving!

I am sending him to you for this very reason, so that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your hearts.

Jesus, who is called Justus, also greets you. These are the only ones of the circumcision who are fellow workers for the kingdom of God. They have been an encouragement to me.