that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and spreading all over the world, so it has been doing among you from the day you heard it and came to know the grace of God in truth.

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.

However, you must remain firmly established and steadfast in the faith, without being moved from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

This secret was hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints,

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.

And you have been filled by him, who is the head of every ruler and authority.

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.

For you have died, and your life has been safely guarded by the Messiah in God.

At the same time also pray for us that God would open before us a door for the word so that we may tell the secret about the Messiah, for which I have been imprisoned.

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.

When this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and be sure to read the one from Laodicea.