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,

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.

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.

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.

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

and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross – through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

We proclaim him by instructing and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ.

Disarming the rulers and authorities, he has made a public disgrace of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there are no exceptions.

I, Paul, write this greeting by my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

For in him all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form,

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

So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, shameful passion, evil desire, and greed which is idolatry.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching – like those who are strictly people-pleasers – but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord.

since we heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints.

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

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

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.