Colossians 1:24–2:5

Paul’s Ministry

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings d for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for His body, e that is, the church. 25 I have become its servant, according to God’s administration that was given to me for you, to make God’s message fully known, 26 the * mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints. 27 God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ f in you, the hope g of glory. 28 We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 I labor for this, striving h with His strength that works powerfully in me. i

2 For I want you to know how great a struggle j I have for you, for those in Laodicea, k and for all who have not seen me in person. 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.