And after you have read this letter, have it read to the church of Laodicea. In turn, read the letter from Laodicea as well.

He himself is before all things and all things are held together in him.

Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.

Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all.

bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.

Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful.

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.

to the saints, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, at Colossae. Grace and peace to you from God our Father!

And you were at one time strangers and enemies in your minds as expressed through your evil deeds,

but now he has reconciled you by his physical body through death to present you holy, without blemish, and blameless before him –

rooted and built up in him and firm in your faith just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

and you have been filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

Tychicus, a dear brother, faithful minister, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.

For I can testify that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you, have not ceased praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

for all things in heaven and on earth were created by him – all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers – all things were created through him and for him.

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

He has not held fast to the head from whom the whole body, supported and knit together through its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God.

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those who have not met me face to face.

And even though you were dead in your transgressions and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he nevertheless made you alive with him, having forgiven all your transgressions.