Even though they have the appearance of wisdom with their self-imposed worship and false humility achieved by an unsparing treatment of the body – a wisdom with no true value – they in reality result in fleshly indulgence.

Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven.

At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

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

for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

You also lived your lives in this way at one time, when you used to live among them.

Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.

Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people,

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

Our dear friend Luke the physician and Demas greet you.

if indeed you remain in the faith, established and firm, without shifting 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.

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.

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

being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for the display of all patience and steadfastness, joyfully

that is, the mystery that has been kept hidden from ages and generations, but has now been revealed to his saints.

Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me.

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

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 –