because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. You have already heard about this hope in the message of truth, the gospel

You learned this from Epaphras, our dearly loved fellow slave. He is a faithful servant of the Messiah on your behalf,

For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,

if indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith and are not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become a servant of it.

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

I labor for this, striving with His strength that works powerfully in me.

I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments.

If you died with the Messiah to the elemental forces of this world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations:

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

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

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

This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.