Now that we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all his People,

But now he has reconciled you to himself by the sacrifice of Christ's earthly body in death--it has pleased God that you should stand in his presence holy, pure, and blameless,

Now at last I can rejoice in my sufferings on your behalf, and in my own person I supplement the afflictions endured by the Christ, for the sake of his Body, the Church;

That Truth which has been hidden from former ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to God's People,

I want you to know in how great a struggle I am engaged for you and for Christ's People at Laodicea, and for all who have not yet seen me;

Such prohibitions appear reasonable where there is a desire for self-imposed service, and so-called 'humility,' and harsh treatment of the body, but are of no real value against the indulgence of our earthly nature.

For you died, and your Life now lies hidden, with the Christ, in God.

You, however, must now lay aside all such things--anger, passion, malice, slander, abuse.

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

In that new life there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, freeman; but Christ is all!--and in all!

Since you know that it is from the Master that you will receive the inheritance which will be your recompense. You are serving Christ, the Master.

Those who do wrong will reap the wrong they have done; and there will be no partiality.

Masters, do what is right and fair by your slaves, for you know that you also have a Master--in Heaven.

Let your conversation always be kindly, and seasoned, as it were, with salt; that you may know in each case what answer you ought to give.