so that you may live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects -- bearing fruit in every good deed, growing in the knowledge of God,

for all things in heaven and on earth were created by him -- all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers -- all things were created through him and for him.

He himself is before all things and all things are held together in him.

and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross -- through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

but now he has reconciled you by his physical body through death to present you holy, without blemish, and blameless before him --

We proclaim him by instructing and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ.

Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,

rooted and built up in him and firm in your faith just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

For in him all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form,

and you have been filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

In him you also were circumcised -- not, however, with a circumcision performed by human hands, but by the removal of the fleshly body, that is, through the circumcision done by Christ.

Having been buried with him in baptism, you also have been raised with him through your faith in the power of God who raised him from the dead.

And even though you were dead in your transgressions and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he nevertheless made you alive with him, having forgiven all your transgressions.

When Christ (who is your life) appears, then you too will be revealed in glory with him.

And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your hearts.

I sent him with Onesimus, the faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him).