We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ continually when praying for you,

on account of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens; of which ye heard before in the word of the truth of the glad tidings,

even as ye learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow-bondman, who is a faithful minister of Christ for you,

For this reason we also, from the day we heard of your faith and love, do not cease praying and asking for you, to the end that ye may be filled with the full knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,

giving thanks to the Father, who has made us fit for sharing the portion of the saints in light,

because by him were created all things, the things in the heavens and the things upon the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones, or lordships, or principalities, or authorities: all things have been created by him and for him.

for in him all the fulness of the Godhead was pleased to dwell,

Now, I rejoice in sufferings for you, and I fill up that which is behind of the tribulations of Christ in my flesh, for his body, which is the assembly;

For I would have you know what combat I have for you, and those in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen my face in flesh;

For if indeed in the flesh I am absent, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

For in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily;

(things which are all for destruction in the using of them:) according to the injunctions and teachings of men,

for ye have died, and your life is hid with the Christ in God.

Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord.

For he that does a wrong shall receive the wrong he has done, and there is no respect of persons.

Masters, give to bondmen what is just and fair, knowing that ye also have a Master in the heavens.

praying at the same time for us also, that God may open to us a door of the word to speak the mystery of Christ, on account of which also I am bound,

whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that he might know your state, and that he might encourage your hearts:

and Jesus called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These are the only fellow-workers for the kingdom of God who have been a consolation to me.

Epaphras, who is one of you, the bondman of Christ Jesus, salutes you, always combating earnestly for you in prayers, to the end that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

For I bear him witness that he labours much for you, and them in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.