1
For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,
2
that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
3
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4
Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words.
5
For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
6
As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
7
rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
8
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
9
For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
10
and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
11
In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
12
buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
13
And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,