²¹ Once you were alienated from God and were enemies^(A) in your minds^(B) because of^[a] your evil behavior. ²² But now he has reconciled^(C) you by Christ’s physical body^(D) through death to present you^(E) holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation^(F)— ²³ if you continue^(G) in your faith, established^(H) and firm, and do not move from the hope^(I) held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven,^(J) and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.^(K)

Paul’s Labor for the Church

²⁴ Now I rejoice^(L) in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions,^(M) for the sake of his body, which is the church.^{(N) 25} I have become its servant^(O) by the commission God gave me^(P) to present to you the word of God^(Q) in its fullness— ²⁶ the mystery^(R) that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. ²⁷ To them God has chosen to make known^(S) among the Gentiles the glorious riches^(T) of this mystery, which is Christ in you,^(U) the hope of glory.

²⁸ He is the one we proclaim, admonishing^(V) and teaching everyone with all wisdom,^(W) so that we may present everyone fully mature^(X) in Christ. ²⁹ To this end I strenuously^(Y) contend^(Z) with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.^(AA)

2 I want you to know how hard I am contending^(AB) for you and for those at Laodicea,^(AC) and for all who have not met me personally. ² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart^(AD) and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery^(AE) of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.^{(AF) 4} I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.^{(AG) 5} For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit^(AH) and delight to see how disciplined^(AI) you are and how firm^(AJ) your faith in Christ^(AK) is.

Spiritual Fullness in Christ

⁶ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,^(AL) continue to live your lives in him, ⁷ rooted^(AM) and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,^(AN) and overflowing with thankfulness.