Colossians 1:24-2:6

Contemporary English Version

Paul's Service to the Church

²⁴I am glad I can suffer for you. I am pleased also that in my own body I can continue^[a] the suffering of Christ for his body, the church. ²⁵God's plan was to make me a servant of his church and to send me to preach his complete message to you. ²⁶For ages and ages this message was kept secret from everyone, but now it has been explained to God's people. ²⁷God did this because he wanted you Gentiles to understand his wonderful and glorious mystery. And the mystery is that Christ lives in you, and he is your hope of sharing in God's glory.

²⁸We announce the message about Christ, and we use all our wisdom to warn and teach everyone, so all of Christ's followers will grow and become mature. ²⁹This is why I work so hard and use the mighty power he gives me.

2 I want you to know what a struggle I am going through for you, for God's people at Laodicea, and for all of those followers who have never met me. ²I do it to encourage them. Then as their hearts are joined together in love, they will be wonderfully blessed with complete understanding. And they will truly know Christ. Not only is he the key to God's mystery, ³but all wisdom and knowledge are hidden away in him. ⁴I tell you these things to keep you from being fooled by fancy talk. ⁵Even though I am not with you, I keep thinking about you. I am glad to know that you are living as you should and your faith in Christ is strong.