now I ask that when I am present I may not have to be bold with the confidence that (I expect) I will dare to use against some who consider us to be behaving according to human standards.

because some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is weak and his speech is of no account.”

As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia.

Put yourselves to the test to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize regarding yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you – unless, indeed, you fail the test!

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel to Abraham ahead of time, saying, “All the nations will be blessed in you.”

in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles, so that we could receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.

I am confident in the Lord that you will accept no other view. But the one who is confusing you will pay the penalty, whoever he may be.

For he is our peace, the one who made both groups into one and who destroyed the middle wall of partition, the hostility,

To me – less than the least of all the saints – this grace was given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ

and to enlighten everyone about God’s secret plan – a secret that has been hidden for ages in God who has created all things.

The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms.

Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think,

to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience.

Nevertheless, each one of you must also love his own wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, exult in Christ Jesus, and do not rely on human credentials

Not that I have already attained this – that is, I have not already been perfected – but I strive to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me.

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 whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

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