having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the affection you have to all christians;

for the sake of that happiness, which you hope for, and is reserv'd for you in heaven, of which you have already been inform'd by the preaching of the truth, that is, the gospel:

It is by him, that we have obtain'd the redemption, even the remission of our sins:

of which I have been established a minister, according to the charge which God has given me to preach his gospel faithfully among you. ---

to whom God does disclose the glorious advantages of this mystery to you Gentiles, to wit, "that by Christ you may have the expectation of glory."

For I wish you knew how great my concern is for you, and for those of Laodicea, and for such as have never seen me in person:

continue therefore to follow the doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ, as you have receiv'd it:

being firmly attach'd to, and founded upon him: establishing yourselves in the faith you have been taught, and being thankful for the improvement you make therein.

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,

let there be no fraud among you, since you have discarded your former habits and practices, and are become new men,

servants, be entirely obedient to those, whom the laws have made your masters, and not meerly out of regard to their observation, as designing only to please men, but from a principle of integrity, as fearing God:

as for you, masters, give to your servants what is just and suitable: considering that you also have a master in heaven.

I have sent him with Onesimus a faithful and beloved brother, who is of your city: they will inform you of what passes here.

Aristarchus my companion in bonds salutes you. and so does Mark, nephew to Barnabas, for whom you have receiv'd recommendations. if he come to you, give him a kind reception.

have cordially reliev'd me. Epaphras a servant of Christ, and your countryman, salutes you, who is always very earnest in his prayers, that you may be perfectly acquainted with, and constantly observe,

have received from the Lord. I Paul salute you, and this salutation I write with my own hand. remember my bonds. grace be with you. AMEN.