2 I want their hearts to be encouraged l and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s * mystery m—Christ. n o 3 All the treasures of wisdom p and knowledge q are hidden in Him.

Christ versus the Colossian Heresy

4 I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments. 5 For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, r rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.

6 Therefore, as you have received s Christ Jesus the Lord, t * walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him u and established in the faith, just as you were taught, v overflowing with gratitude.

8 Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, w based on the elemental forces of the world, and not based on Christ. x 9 For the entire fullness y of God’s nature z dwells bodily a in Christ, 10 and you have been filled by Him, who is the head b over every ruler and authority.