that has come to you. Just as in the entire world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, so it has also been bearing fruit and growing among you from the first day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.

For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you, have not ceased praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

if indeed you remain in the faith, established and firm, without shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has also been preached in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become its servant.

God wanted to make known to them the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

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

I say this so that no one will deceive you through arguments that sound reasonable.

You also lived your lives in this way at one time, when you used to live among them.

Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord.

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

And after you have read this letter, have it read to the church of Laodicea. In turn, read the letter from Laodicea as well.

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