Colossians 2:20

2:20 If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits ¹  of the world, why do you submit to them as though you lived in the world?

Colossians 3:1

Exhortations to Seek the Things Above

3:1 Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Colossians 1:23

1:23 if indeed you remain in the faith, established and firm, ²  without shifting ³  from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has also been preached in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become its servant.

Colossians 2:5

2:5 For though ⁴  I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing to see ⁵  your morale ⁶  and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

[2:20]  ¹ tn See the note on the phrase “elemental spirits” in 2:8.

[1:23]  ² tn BDAG 276 s.v. ἑδραῖος suggests “firm, steadfast.”

[1:23]  ³ tn BDAG 639 s.v. μετακινέω suggests “without shifting from the hope” here.

[2:5]  ³ tn The conditional particle εἰ (ei) together with καί (kai) here indicates a first class condition in Greek and carries a concessive force, especially when seen in contrast to the following phrase which begins with ἀλλά (alla).

[2:5]  ⁴ tn Grk “rejoicing and seeing.”

[2:5]  ⁵ tn The Greek word τάξις can mean “order,” “discipline,” or even “unbroken ranks” (REB).