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

your love to all the saints) For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,

As ye likewise learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ for you:

For this cause from the day we heard it, we do not cease to pray also for you, and to desire that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

For through him were created all things, that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible; whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him and for him.

For it pleased the Father, that all fulness should dwell in him:

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

Of which I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God, which is given me for you, fully to preach the word of God:

For which also I labour, striving according to his mighty working, who worketh in me mightily.

For I would have you know, how great a conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh:

For though I am absent from you in the flesh, yet I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing to behold your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

For in him dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

For which things the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision; barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free; but Christ is all, and in all.

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

for ye serve the Lord Christ.

But he that doth wrong, shall receive for the wrong he hath done; and there is no respect of persons.

Withal, praying likewise for us, that God would open to us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ: for which I am also in bonds:

Whom I have sent to you for this very thing, that he might know your state and comfort your hearts,

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayer, that ye may stand, perfect and filled, with all the will of God.

For I bear him witness, that he hath a great zeal for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis.