We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

and for the hope of what is stored up for you in heaven. You first heard of it long ago when the true message of the gospel

Which has come to you; and which in all the world is giving fruit and increase, as it has done in you from the day when it came to your ears and you had true knowledge of the grace of God;

For this reason, we, from the day when we had word of it, keep on in prayer for you, that you may be full of the knowledge of his purpose, with all wisdom and experience of the Spirit,

To whom it was his pleasure to make known the surpassing glory of that hidden Truth when proclaimed among the Gentiles--'Christ among you! Your Hope of glory!'

by whom also ye have obtain'd the true spiritual circumcision, not effected by men, when you were by a christian circumcision divested of all your carnal affections,

having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him [to a new life] through [your] faith in the working of God, [as displayed] when He raised Christ from the dead.

And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive with Him and forgave us all our trespasses.

canceled the bond which stood against us, with its requirements, and put it out of our way when he nailed it to the cross.

Principalities and powers he disarmed, and openly displayed them as his trophies, when he triumphed over them in the cross.

Such a person is not continuing in connection with the Head, from which the whole body, when supplied and united through its joints and sinews, grows with a growth that God produces.

For all the things referred to in them cease to exist when used. You are following mere human directions and instructions.

When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

and in these [sinful things] you also once walked, when you were habitually living in them [without the knowledge of Christ].

bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, when one has any cause of complaint against another: as the Lord forgave you, do you likewise forgive.

Servants, in everything obey those who are your masters on earth, not only with external service, as those who merely please people, but with sincerity of heart because of your fear of the Lord.

Be unwearied in prayer, and keep awake in it when giving thanks.

let an air of modesty appear in all your discourse; and let it be seasoned with discretion, in making a proper reply, when you are call'd into question.

When this letter has been read among you, see that it is read in the church of the Laodiceans; and also that you in turn read my letter [that is coming to you] from Laodicea.