31 But these are written that you may believe[a](A) that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,(B) and that by believing you may have life in his name.(C)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. John 20:31 Or may continue to believe

Spiritual Fullness in Christ

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,(A) continue to live your lives in him, rooted(B) and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,(C) and overflowing with thankfulness.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,(D) which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces[a] of this world(E) rather than on Christ.

For in Christ all the fullness(F) of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head(G) over every power and authority.(H) 11 In him you were also circumcised(I) with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh[b](J) was put off when you were circumcised by[c] Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism,(K) in which you were also raised with him(L) through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.(M)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Colossians 2:8 Or the basic principles; also in verse 20
  2. Colossians 2:11 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verse 13.
  3. Colossians 2:11 Or put off in the circumcision of

20 Where is the wise person?(A) Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age?(B) Has not God made foolish(C) the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world(D) through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save(E) those who believe.(F) 22 Jews demand signs(G) and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified:(H) a stumbling block(I) to Jews and foolishness(J) to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called,(K) both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God(L) and the wisdom of God.(M) 25 For the foolishness(N) of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness(O) of God is stronger than human strength.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends