24 aNow I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh bI 1do my share on behalf of cHis body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking 2in Christ’s afflictions.

25 aOf this church I 1was made a minister according to the bstewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might 2fully carry out the preaching of the word of God,

26 that is, athe mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His 1saints,

27 to whom aGod willed to make known what is bthe riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is cChrist in you, the dhope of glory.

28 We proclaim Him, aadmonishing every man and teaching every man 1with all bwisdom, so that we may cpresent every man 2dcomplete in Christ.

29 For this purpose also I alabor, bstriving caccording to His 1power, which 2mightily works within me.

Chapter 2

You Are Built Up in Christ

1 For I want you to know how great a astruggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at bLaodicea, and for all those who have not 1personally seen my face,

2 that their ahearts may be encouraged, having been bknit together in love, and attaining to all cthe wealth 1that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a dtrue knowledge of eGod’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself,

3 in whom are hidden all athe treasures of wisdom and knowledge.