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,

so that you will live a life worthy of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might have the first place in everything.

if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a minister.

the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.

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

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.

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to human tradition, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Set your minds on the things above, not on things that are on earth.

knowing that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

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.

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

and with him Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of yourselves. They will tell you everything that has taken place here.

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.

I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

When this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read the letter from Laodicea.

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