We give thanks always to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ [when we] pray for you,

[since we] heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints,

because of the hope reserved for you in heaven, which you have heard about beforehand in the word of truth, the gospel,

Because of this also we, from the day we heard about [it], did not cease praying for you, and asking that you may be filled [with] the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual insight,

enabled with all power, according to his glorious might, for all steadfastness and patience with joy,

giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you for a share of the inheritance of the saints in light,

because all [things] in the heavens and on the earth were created by him, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers, all [things] were created through him and for him,

because he was well pleased [for] all the fullness to dwell in him,

of which I became a minister, according to God's stewardship which was given to me for you, to complete the word of God,

for which [purpose] also I labor, striving according to his working which is at work powerfully in me.

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and all those who have not seen my face {in person},

for even if I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

which [things] are all [meant] for destruction by consuming according to human commandments and teachings,

For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, [or] free, but Christ [is] all, and in all.

and everything {whatever} you do in word or in deed, giving thanks [for] all [things] in the name of the Lord Jesus to God the Father through him.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord.

For the one who does wrong will receive back whatever wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

praying at the same time for us also, that God may open for us a door of the message, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which also {I am a prisoner},

so that I may reveal it, as it is necessary for me to speak.

Let your speech always [be] with grace, seasoned with salt, so that [you] may know how it is necessary for you to answer each one.

whom I have sent to you for this very [reason], in order that you may know {our circumstances} and he may encourage your hearts,

and Jesus who is called Justus. These [are] the only ones who are fellow workers for the kingdom of God from the circumcision, who have been a comfort to me.

For I testify to him that {he is working hard} on behalf of you and those in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.