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 your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ.

He rid himself of all the Powers of Evil, and held them up to open contempt, when he celebrated his triumph over them on the cross!

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

When the Christ, who is our Life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

And to which you, like others, once devoted your lives, when you lived for them.

Bearing with one another, and, when there is any ground for complaint, forgiving one another freely. As the Master freely forgave you, so you must forgive one another.

Slaves, always obey your earthly masters, not only when their eyes are on you, as if you had but to please men, but giving them ungrudging service, in your reverence for the Master.

And when this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read before the Church at Laodicea, and that you yourselves read the letter which will be forwarded from there.