For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, do not cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard, which is being proclaimed in all creation under heaven; of which I, Paul, was made a servant.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church;

whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus;

that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,

Now this I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.

Be careful that you do not let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ.

If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.

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

Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings,

Fathers, do not provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged.

knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.

Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;

that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.

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

I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts,

together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here.

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

For I testify about him, that he has worked hard for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.

Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that is in her house.

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

Tell Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it."