For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

That ye may walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are upon earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; that in all things he may have the pre-eminence.

For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell;

And you, that were formerly alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled,

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

That their hearts may be comforted, being knit together in love, and to all riches of the full assurance of understanding to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Knowing that from the Lord ye will receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

But he that doeth wrong, will receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

At the same time praying also for us, that God would open to us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Walk in wisdom towards them that are without, redeeming the time.

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Whom I have sent to you for the same purpose, that he may know your state, and comfort your hearts;

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

For I bear him testimony, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

And say to Archippus, take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.