To Christ's People at Colossae--the Brothers who are faithful to him: May God, our Father, bless you and give you peace.

For in him was created all that is in Heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible--Angels and Archangels and all the Powers of Heaven.

All has been created through him and for him. He was before all things, and all things unite in him;

For it pleased the Father that in him the divine nature in all its fulness should dwell,

And through him to reconcile all things to himself (making peace by the shedding of Christ's blood offered upon the cross)-- whether on earth or in Heaven.

And it pleased God that you, once estranged from him and hostile towards him in your thoughts, intent only on wickedness--

Since, therefore, you have received Jesus, the Christ, as your Lord, live your lives in union with him--

Rooted in him, building up your characters through union with him, growing stronger through your faith, as you were taught, overflowing with faith and thanksgiving.

And, by your union with him, you also are filled with it. He is the Head of all Archangels and Powers of Heaven.

By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ.

For in baptism you were buried with Christ; and in baptism you were also raised to Life with him, through your faith in the omnipotence of God, who raised him from the dead.

When the Christ, who is our Life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

And clothe yourselves with that new self, which, as it gains in knowledge, is being constantly renewed 'in resemblance to him who made it.'

Therefore, as God's People, consecrated and dear to him, clothe yourselves with tenderness of heart, kindliness, humility, gentleness, forbearance;

Let the Message of the Christ dwell in your minds in all its wealth, bringing all wisdom with it. Teach and admonish one another with psalms, and hymns, and sacred songs, full of the loving- kindness of God, lifting your hearts in song to him.

And, whatever you say or do, do everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus; and through him offer thanksgiving to God the father.

I send him to you expressly that you may learn our circumstances, and that he may give you encouragement.

With him will be Onesimus, our dear faithful Brother, who is one of yourselves. They will tell you all that is going on here.

My fellow-prisoner, Aristarchus, sends you his greeting, and Barnabas's cousin, Mark, sends his. (You have received directions about him. If he comes to you, make him welcome.)