Acts 14:22
14:22 They strengthened
the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue
in the faith, saying, “We must enter the kingdom
of God through many persecutions.”
Acts 14:2
14:2 But the Jews who refused to believe
stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds
against the brothers.
Colossians 1:3-7
Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Church
1:3 We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
1:4 since we heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints.
1:5 Your faith and love have arisen from the hope laid up for you in heaven, which you have heard about in the message of truth, the gospel
1:6 that has come to you. Just as in the entire world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, so it has also been bearing fruit and growing among you from the first day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.
1:7 You learned the gospel from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave – a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf –
Colossians 4:8-12
4:8 I sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are doing
and that he may encourage your hearts.
4:9 I sent him
with Onesimus, the faithful and dear brother, who is one of you.
They will tell
you about everything here.
4:10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him).
4:11 And Jesus who is called Justus also sends greetings. In terms of Jewish converts, these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a slave of Christ, greets you. He is always struggling in prayer on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
Colossians 4:16-18
4:16 And after
you have read this letter, have it read
to the church of Laodicea. In turn, read the letter from Laodicea
as well.
4:17 And tell Archippus, “See to it that you complete the ministry you received in the Lord.”
4:18 I, Paul, write this greeting by my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Colossians 4:1
4:1 Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven.
Colossians 3:2-3
3:2 Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth,
3:3 for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.