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

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face,

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

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

These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

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

Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.

and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.

For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house.