because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Long ago you heard of this hope in the message which came to you of the truth of the gospel.

For this reason from the day I heard of it I have never ceased to pray for you, asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will with every kind of wisdom and spiritual insight;

And this he will do if, indeed, you continue in the faith, firmly founded and stedfast, and never moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, and which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, that gospel of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

It is of this I was made a minister, according to the stewardship entrusted to me by God for you, fully to declare God's message;

And this I say, lest any one should mislead you with enticing words.

If you died with Christ to the world's rudimentary notions, why, as if you still lived in the world, do you submit yourselves to dogmatisms found on teachings and doctrines of men??21 such as "Do not handle this," "You must not taste that," "Do not touch this"??22 all things which are intended to perish in the using?

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is well pleasing in Christians.

I have sent him with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, one of your own number, for this very purpose, to let you know how I am, and to cheer your hearts.

And when this letter has been read to you, see that it is read also in the church of Laodiceans, and that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

I, Paul, add this farewell in my own handwriting. Do not forget these chains of mine. Grace be with you.