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,

He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my physical body -- for the sake of his body, the church -- what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ.

I became a servant of the church according to the stewardship from God -- given to me for you -- in order to complete the word of God,

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

Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me.

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those who have not met me face to face.

My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ,

At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

Pray that I may make it known as I should.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.

Tychicus, a dear brother, faithful minister, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.

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

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).

And Jesus who is called Justus also sends greetings. In terms of Jewish converts, these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

Epaphras, who is one of you and a slave of Christ, greets you. He is always struggling in prayer on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.

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