since<n id="1" /> we heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints.

<t /><p class="bodytext">And you were at one time strangers and enemies in your<n id="1" /> minds<n id="2" /> as expressed through<n id="3" /> your evil deeds,

but now he has reconciled you<n id="1" /> by his physical body through death to present you holy, without blemish, and blameless before him &#8211;

These are all destined to perish with use, founded as they are<n id="1" /> on human commands and teachings.<n id="2" />

and have been clothed with the new man<n id="1" /> that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it.

because you know that you will receive your<n id="1" /> inheritance<n id="2" /> from the Lord as the reward. Serve<n id="3" /> the Lord Christ.

And even though you were dead in your<n id="1" /> transgressions and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he nevertheless<n id="2" /> made you alive with him, having forgiven all your transgressions.

He has destroyed<n id="1" /> what was against us, a certificate of indebtedness<n id="2" /> expressed in decrees opposed to us. He has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.

<t /><p class="bodytext">Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth:<n id="1" /> sexual immorality, impurity, shameful passion,<n id="2" /> evil desire, and greed which is idolatry.

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

At the same time pray<n id="1" /> for us too, that<n id="2" /> God may open a door for the message<n id="3" /> so that we may proclaim<n id="4" /> the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.<n id="5" />

And Jesus who is called Justus also sends greetings. In terms of Jewish converts,<n id="1" /> these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

who also told us of your love in the Spirit.p>

<t /><n id="1" /><p class="poetry">He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn<n id="2" /> over all creation,<n id="3" />p>

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

<t /><p class="bodytext">Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,<n id="1" /> continue to live your lives<n id="2" /> in him,

For in him all the fullness of deity lives<n id="1" /> in bodily form,

Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practices

And to all these<n id="1" /> virtues<n id="2" /> add<n id="3" /> love, which is the perfect bond.<n id="4" />