ible, whether thrones, or lordships, or principalities, or
powers. All things were created through him and for him, [1:17]and he
is before all things, and in him all things consist, [1:18]and he is
the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first-born
from the dead, that he might himself be preeminent in all things,
[1:19]for in him [God] was well pleased that all fullness should dwell,
[1:20]and through him to reconcile all things to himself, making peace
through the blood of his cross, through him, whether things on the
earth or things in the heavens. [1:21]And you, formerly alienated and
enemies in mind by evil works, he has now reconciled [1:22]by the body
of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blame and
without fault before him, [1:23]if indeed you continue founded and
established in the faith, and not moved from the hope of the gospel
which you heard, which was preached in all the creation under heaven;
of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

4 [1:24]Now I rejoice in sufferings for you, and supply the
deficiencies of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body,
which is the church, [1:25]of which I was made a minister according to
the dispensation of God given me for you, to complete the word of God,
[1:26]the mystery concealed from ages and from generations, but now it
has been manifested to his saints, [1:27]to whom God was pleased to
make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the
nations, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, [1:28]whom we
preach, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom,
that we may present every man perfect in Christ; [1:29]for which I also
labor, striving with his power which operates in me with power.

5 [2:1]For I wish you to know what a conflict I have for you and those
in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,
[2:2]that your hearts may be comforted, being united in love and
[raised] to all the riches of the full assurance of understanding, to
the knowledge of the mystery of God, [2:3]in which are hid all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge. [2:4]But I say this that no one may
mislead you with persuasive words. [2:5]For if I am absent in the
flesh, still I am present in spirit with you, rejoicing and beholding
your order and the strength of your faith in Christ. [2:6]As therefore
you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, [2:7]founded and
built up in him, and esta