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.

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).

I say this so that no one will deceive you through arguments that sound reasonable.

Our dear friend Luke the physician and Demas greet you.

giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.

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 –

Therefore do not let anyone judge you with respect to food or drink, or in the matter of a feast, new moon, or Sabbath days –

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.

I became a servant of the church according to the stewardship from God – given to me for you – in order to complete the word of 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.

Let no one who delights in humility and the worship of angels pass judgment on you. That person goes on at great lengths about what he has supposedly seen, but he is puffed up with empty notions by his fleshly mind.

I sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your hearts.

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.

Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

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.