Now I can find joy amid my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my own person whatever is lacking in Christ's afflictions on behalf of His Body, the Church.

So no one can call you to account for what you eat or drink, or do about annual or monthly feasts or Sabbaths.

No one can put you in the wrong by persisting in studied humility and the worship of angels, being absorbed in the visions he has seen, and groundlessly conceited over his mere human mind.

a renewal in which there is no [distinction between] Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, [nor between nations whether] barbarian or Scythian, [nor in status whether] slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all [so believers are equal in Christ, without distinction].

Let the peace that Christ can give keep on acting as umpire in your hearts, for you were called to this state as members of one body. And practice being thankful.

At the same time, pray for us also, that God will open up a door [of opportunity] for [proclaiming] the message, so we can tell about the [previously] hidden secret of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned.

until I can make clear to the authorities why I cannot help telling it.

I have sent [i.e., am sending] him to you for this very purpose, so that you can know our situation and that he can encourage your hearts.

Epaphras, who is one of you, a slave of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always contending for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills.

For I can testify to his deep interest in you and in those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

And tell Archippus, “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.”