Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my physical body – for the sake of his body, the church – what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ.

You learned the gospel from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave – a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf –

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

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.

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,

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.