We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Good News,

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,

strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy;

For by him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers; all things have been created by him and for him.

For all the fullness was pleased to dwell in him;

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;

the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints,

for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.

For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

For in him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,

For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

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

And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men,

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.

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;

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

and Jesus who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These are my only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God, men who have been a comfort to me.

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.