and he is before all things, and by him all things consist:

and he is the head of the body, the church: and he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in all things he might be preeminent;

And you, who were formerly alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has he reconciled

by means of death in his fleshly body, that he may present you holy, and without spot, and blameless in his sight;

For I wish you to know how great a conflict I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

And you, being dead to your offenses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he has made alive together with him, having forgiven you all your offenses;

having blotted out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us, which was opposed to us, he also took it out of the way, driving a nail through it by means of his cross;

and having spoiled the principalities and authorities, he made a show of them openly by triumphing over them through it.

Let no one gain his purpose in depriving you of the palm by an affected humility and worship of angels, prying into things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

But he that does wrong shall receive for the wrong which he has done; and there is no respect of persons.

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every one.

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your condition, and comfort your hearts;

Aristarchus, my fellow-prisoner, salutes you, and so does Marcus the nephew of Barnabas, concerning whom you received commandments; if he come to you, receive him;

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you; he always strives earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

For I testify for him, that he has a great zeal for you and those in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.