for the sake of that happiness, which you hope for, and is reserv'd for you in heaven, of which you have already been inform'd by the preaching of the truth, that is, the gospel:

For this cause, ever since we heard of it, we incessantly pray for you, requesting that you may be endued with respect to the knowledge of his will, with all wisdom and spiritual discernment:

for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are on earth, both visible and invisible, the thrones, and the sovereigntys, the principalitys, and the powers: all were created by him, and for him: he is before all things,

for it seemed good to the father to inhabit the whole body of the church by Christ:

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and am filling up the measure of those remaining afflictions, which in my turn I am to suffer in this life, in the cause of Christ, for the sake of his body, which is the church:

For I wish you knew how great my concern is for you, and for those of Laodicea, and for such as have never seen me in person:

for tho' I am absent in person, yet I am present with you in my mind, and am glad to perceive the regularily of your affairs, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

being firmly attach'd to, and founded upon him: establishing yourselves in the faith you have been taught, and being thankful for the improvement you make therein.

for in him all divine plenitude does substantially reside.

Let no man therefore condemn you for meats or drinks, or in respect of feasts, or new moons, or sabbaths:

for these were only the shadows of future things, prefiguring Christ, who is the substance.

which yet were all made to be consumed for our use, notwithstanding the injunctions and doctrines of men:

for you are dead to them, and Christ has secured your life with God.

children, obey your parents upon all occasions, for that is graceful in a christian.

knowing that as you are the servants of Christ our Lord, you shall receive from him the inheritance for your reward.

but he that does wrong shall be punish'd for his injustice: for no regard will be shown to the external characters of men.

as for you, masters, give to your servants what is just and suitable: considering that you also have a master in heaven.

put up your requests likewise for me, that God would give me an opportunity to declare the mystery of Christ (for which I am even in bonds:)

Aristarchus my companion in bonds salutes you. and so does Mark, nephew to Barnabas, for whom you have receiv'd recommendations. if he come to you, give him a kind reception.

the whole will of God. for I can witness for him, that he is ardently concern'd for you, and the christians of Laodicea,