because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love which you have for all the saints,

which has come to you, just as in all the world it is bearing fruit and growing, even as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth;

if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a minister.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share for the sake of his body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions.

Of this church I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,

To them God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

For this end I labor, striving with all his energy, which so mightily works within me.

having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

having canceled the certificate of debt, which stood against us with its decrees. He took what was hostile away from us, nailing it to the cross.

(referring to things which are all destined perish with use), according to human commandments and teachings?

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and greed, which is idolatry.

and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.

And pray for us as well, that God may open a door to us for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains,

Say to Archippus, "See to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it."