For this reason also, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share for the sake of his body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions.

Of this church I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,

We proclaim him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.

For this end I labor, striving with all his energy, which so mightily works within me.

For I want you to know how greatly I strive for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not seen my face in the flesh,

that their hearts may be encouraged as they are knit together in love, to have all the riches of assured understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ himself,

I say this so that no one may delude you with fine-sounding arguments.

And pray for us as well, that God may open a door to us for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains,

so that I may make it clear, as I ought to speak.

Let your speech always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.

Tychicus will tell you all about my affairs. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts;

My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, and also Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you have received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him.)

and also Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved to be a comfort to me.

Epaphras, who is one of your number, a servant of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

Give my greetings to the brethren at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

Say to Archippus, "See to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it."

I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.