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Philippians 2-4
New American Standard Bible

Be like Christ

2 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any (A)fellowship of the Spirit, if any [a](B)affection and compassion, 2 (C)make my joy complete [b]by (D)being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing [c]from [d](E)selfishness or (F)empty conceit, but with humility (G)consider one another as more important than yourselves; 4 (H)do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 (I)Have this attitude [e]in yourselves which was also in (J)Christ Jesus, 6 who, as He already (K)existed in the (L)form of God, (M)did not consider equality with God something to be [f]grasped, 7 but [g](N)emptied Himself by taking the form of a (O)bond-servant and [h](P)being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, (Q)He humbled Himself by becoming (R)obedient to the point of death: (S)death [i]on a cross. 9 (T)For this reason also God (U)highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him (V)the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus (W)every knee will bow, of (X)those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is (Y)Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12 So then, my beloved, (Z)just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own (AA)salvation with (AB)fear and trembling; 13 for it is (AC)God who is at work in you, both to [j]desire and to work (AD)for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without (AE)complaining or arguments; 15 so that you will [k]prove yourselves to be (AF)blameless and innocent, (AG)children of God above reproach in the midst of a (AH)crooked and perverse generation, among whom you [l](AI)appear as [m]lights in the world, 16 holding firmly the word of life, so that on (AJ)the day of Christ I can take pride because I did not (AK)run in vain nor (AL)labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being (AM)poured out as a drink offering upon (AN)the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19 But I hope, [n]in the Lord Jesus, to (AO)send (AP)Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20 For I have no one else (AQ)of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all (AR)seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know (AS)of his proven character, that (AT)he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel (AU)like a child serving his father. 23 (AV)Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; 24 and (AW)I trust in the Lord that I myself will also be coming shortly. 25 But I thought it necessary to send to you (AX)Epaphroditus, my brother and (AY)fellow worker and (AZ)fellow soldier, who is also your [o](BA)messenger and (BB)minister to my need, 26 because he was longing [p]for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly, so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. 29 (BC)Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and (BD)hold people like him in high regard, 30 because he came close to death [q](BE)for the work of Christ, risking his life to (BF)compensate [r]for your absence in your service to me.

The Goal of Life

3 Finally, my brothers and sisters, (BG)rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble for me, and it is a safeguard for you.

2 Beware of the (BH)dogs, beware of the (BI)evil workers, beware of the [s]false circumcision; 3 for (BJ)we are the true [t]circumcision, who (BK)worship in the Spirit of God and take (BL)pride in (BM)Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although (BN)I myself could boast as having confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he is confident in the flesh, I have more reason: 5 (BO)circumcised the eighth day, of the (BP)nation of Israel, of the (BQ)tribe of Benjamin, a (BR)Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, (BS)a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, (BT)a persecutor of the church; as to the (BU)righteousness which is in the Law, found (BV)blameless.

7 But (BW)whatever things were gain to me, these things I have counted as loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss [u]in view of the surpassing value of [v](BX)knowing (BY)Christ Jesus my Lord, [w]for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having (BZ)a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, (CA)the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may (CB)know Him and (CC)the power of His resurrection and [x](CD)the fellowship of His sufferings, being (CE)conformed to His death; 11 if somehow I may (CF)attain to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already [y](CG)grasped it all or have already (CH)become perfect, but I press on if I may also (CI)take hold of that [z]for which I (CJ)was even taken hold of by (CK)Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: (CL)forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I (CM)press on toward the goal for the prize of the (CN)upward call of God in (CO)Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore, all who are [aa](CP)mature, let’s have this attitude; and if in anything you have a (CQ)different attitude, (CR)God will reveal that to you as well; 16 however, let’s keep [ab](CS)living by that same standard to which we have attained.

17 Brothers and sisters, (CT)join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the (CU)pattern you have in us. 18 For (CV)many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even as I (CW)weep, that they are the enemies of (CX)the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their [ac](CY)appetite, and whose (CZ)glory is in their shame, who (DA)have their minds on earthly things. 20 For (DB)our [ad]citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly (DC)wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will (DD)transform the body of our lowly condition into (DE)conformity with [ae]His (DF)glorious body, (DG)by the exertion of the power that He has even to (DH)subject all things to Himself.

Think of Excellence

4 Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, [af]whom I (DI)long to see, my joy and crown, (DJ)stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to [ag](DK)live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true [ah]companion, I ask you also, help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement as well as the rest of my (DL)fellow workers, whose (DM)names are in the book of life.

4 (DN)Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. (DO)The Lord is [ai]near. 6 (DP)Do not [aj]be anxious about anything, but in everything by (DQ)prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And (DR)the peace of God, which surpasses all [ak]comprehension, will (DS)guard your hearts and (DT)minds in (DU)Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, (DV)whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is [al]lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen (DW)in me, practice these things, and (DX)the God of peace will be with you.

God’s Provisions

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last (DY)you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked an opportunity to act. 11 Not that I speak [am]from need, for I have learned to be [an](DZ)content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going (EA)hungry, both of having abundance and (EB)suffering need. 13 I can do all things [ao]through Him who (EC)strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to (ED)share with me in my difficulty.

15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the [ap](EE)first preaching of the gospel, after I left (EF)Macedonia, no church (EG)shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone; 16 for even in (EH)Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 (EI)Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the [aq]profit which increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am [ar]amply supplied, having received from (EJ)Epaphroditus [as]what you have sent, [at](EK)a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And (EL)my God will supply [au]all your needs according to His (EM)riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to (EN)our God and Father (EO)be the glory [av]forever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet every [aw]saint in Christ Jesus. (EP)The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 (EQ)All the [ax](ER)saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

23 (ES)The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (ET)be with your spirit.

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 2:1 Lit inward parts
  2. Philippians 2:2 Lit that you be
  3. Philippians 2:3 Lit according to
  4. Philippians 2:3 Or contentiousness
  5. Philippians 2:5 Or among
  6. Philippians 2:6 Or seized
  7. Philippians 2:7 I.e., set aside His divine rights
  8. Philippians 2:7 Or having come to be
  9. Philippians 2:8 Lit of
  10. Philippians 2:13 Or be willing
  11. Philippians 2:15 Or become
  12. Philippians 2:15 Or shine
  13. Philippians 2:15 Or luminaries, stars
  14. Philippians 2:19 Or trusting in
  15. Philippians 2:25 Lit apostle
  16. Philippians 2:26 One early ms to see you all
  17. Philippians 2:30 Lit because of
  18. Philippians 2:30 Lit your deficiency of service
  19. Philippians 3:2 Lit mutilation; Gr katatome
  20. Philippians 3:3 Gr peritome
  21. Philippians 3:8 Lit because of
  22. Philippians 3:8 Lit the knowledge of
  23. Philippians 3:8 Lit because of
  24. Philippians 3:10 Or participation in
  25. Philippians 3:12 Or obtained
  26. Philippians 3:12 Or because also
  27. Philippians 3:15 Or perfect
  28. Philippians 3:16 Lit following in line
  29. Philippians 3:19 Lit belly
  30. Philippians 3:20 Lit commonwealth
  31. Philippians 3:21 Lit the body of His glory
  32. Philippians 4:1 Lit and longed for
  33. Philippians 4:2 Or be of the same mind
  34. Philippians 4:3 Lit yokefellow
  35. Philippians 4:5 Or at hand
  36. Philippians 4:6 I.e., have anxiety
  37. Philippians 4:7 Lit mind
  38. Philippians 4:8 Or lovable and gracious
  39. Philippians 4:11 Lit according to
  40. Philippians 4:11 Or self-sufficient
  41. Philippians 4:13 Lit in
  42. Philippians 4:15 Lit beginning of
  43. Philippians 4:17 Lit fruit
  44. Philippians 4:18 Lit made full
  45. Philippians 4:18 Lit the things from you
  46. Philippians 4:18 Lit an odor of fragrance
  47. Philippians 4:19 Or every need of yours
  48. Philippians 4:20 Lit to the ages of the ages
  49. Philippians 4:21 Or holy one; i.e., God’s people
  50. Philippians 4:22 See note v 21
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Philippians 2-4
New International Version

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,(A) if any tenderness and compassion,(B) 2 then make my joy complete(C) by being like-minded,(D) having the same love, being one(E) in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.(F) Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,(G) 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.(H)

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:(I)

6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,(J)
    did not consider equality with God(K) something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing(L)
    by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,(M)
    being made in human likeness.(N)
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death(O)—
        even death on a cross!(P)

9 Therefore God exalted him(Q) to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,(R)
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,(S)
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,(T)
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,(U)
    to the glory of God the Father.

Do Everything Without Grumbling

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,(V) 13 for it is God who works in you(W) to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.(X)

14 Do everything without grumbling(Y) or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless(Z) and pure, “children of God(AA) without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c](AB) Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ(AC) that I did not run(AD) or labor in vain.(AE) 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering(AF) on the sacrifice(AG) and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.(AH) 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy(AI) to you soon,(AJ) that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him,(AK) who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests,(AL) not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father(AM) he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.(AN) 24 And I am confident(AO) in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker(AP) and fellow soldier,(AQ) who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.(AR) 26 For he longs for all of you(AS) and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him,(AT) so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,(AU) 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.(AV)

No Confidence in the Flesh

3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again,(AW) and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs,(AX) those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision,(AY) we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus,(AZ) and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.(BA)

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised(BB) on the eighth day, of the people of Israel,(BC) of the tribe of Benjamin,(BD) a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;(BE) 6 as for zeal,(BF) persecuting the church;(BG) as for righteousness based on the law,(BH) faultless.

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss(BI) for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing(BJ) Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ(BK) 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,(BL) but that which is through faith in[d] Christ—the righteousness(BM) that comes from God on the basis of faith.(BN) 10 I want to know(BO) Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings,(BP) becoming like him in his death,(BQ) 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection(BR) from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,(BS) but I press on to take hold(BT) of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.(BU) 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind(BV) and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on(BW) toward the goal to win the prize(BX) for which God has called(BY) me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Following Paul’s Example

15 All of us, then, who are mature(BZ) should take such a view of things.(CA) And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.(CB) 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

17 Join together in following my example,(CC) brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.(CD) 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears,(CE) many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.(CF) 19 Their destiny(CG) is destruction, their god is their stomach,(CH) and their glory is in their shame.(CI) Their mind is set on earthly things.(CJ) 20 But our citizenship(CK) is in heaven.(CL) And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,(CM) 21 who, by the power(CN) that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies(CO) so that they will be like his glorious body.(CP)

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,(CQ) my joy and crown, stand firm(CR) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind(CS) in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers,(CT) whose names are in the book of life.(CU)

Final Exhortations

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!(CV) 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.(CW) 6 Do not be anxious about anything,(CX) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.(CY) 7 And the peace of God,(CZ) which transcends all understanding,(DA) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.(DB) And the God of peace(DC) will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.(DD) Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content(DE) whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,(DF) whether living in plenty or in want.(DG) 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.(DH)

14 Yet it was good of you to share(DI) in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days(DJ) of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia,(DK) not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;(DL) 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica,(DM) you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.(DN) 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.(DO) 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus(DP) the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant(DQ) offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs(DR) according to the riches of his glory(DS) in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father(DT) be glory for ever and ever. Amen.(DU)

Final Greetings

21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me(DV) send greetings. 22 All God’s people(DW) here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ(DX) be with your spirit.(DY) Amen.[e]

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 2:6 Or in the form of
  2. Philippians 2:7 Or the form
  3. Philippians 2:15 Deut. 32:5
  4. Philippians 3:9 Or through the faithfulness of
  5. Philippians 4:23 Some manuscripts do not have Amen.
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Colossians 1
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Colossians 1-2
New American Standard Bible

Thankfulness for Spiritual Attainments

1 (A)Paul, (B)an apostle of Christ Jesus [a](C)by the will of God, and (D)Timothy [b]our brother,

2 To the [c](E)saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who are at Colossae: (F)Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

3 (G)We [d]give thanks to God, (H)the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 (I)since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the (J)love which you have [e]for (K)all the [f]saints; 5 because of the (L)hope (M)reserved for you in [g]heaven, of which you previously (N)heard in the word of truth, [h]the gospel 6 which has come to you, just as [i](O)in all the world also it is bearing (P)fruit and [j]increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you (Q)heard it and [k]understood the grace of God in truth; 7 just as you learned it from (R)Epaphras, our (S)beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8 and he also informed us of your (T)love in the Spirit.

9 For this reason we also, (U)since the day we heard about it, (V)have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the [l](W)knowledge of His will in all spiritual (X)wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you will (Y)walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, [m](Z)to please Him in all respects, (AA)bearing fruit in every good work and [n]increasing in the [o]knowledge of God; 11 (AB)strengthened with all power, according to [p]His glorious might, [q]for the attaining of all perseverance and [r]patience; (AC)joyously 12 giving thanks to (AD)the Father, who has qualified us [s]to share in (AE)the inheritance of the [t]saints in (AF)light.

The Incomparable Christ

13 [u]For He rescued us from the [v](AG)domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of [w](AH)His beloved Son, 14 (AI)in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

15 [x]He is the (AJ)image of the (AK)invisible God, the (AL)firstborn of all creation: 16 for [y](AM)by Him all things were created, (AN)both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether (AO)thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—(AP)all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He [z](AQ)is before all things, and in Him all things [aa]hold together. 18 He is also the (AR)head of (AS)the body, the church; and He is (AT)the beginning, (AU)the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19 For [ab]it was (AV)the Father’s good pleasure for all (AW)the [ac]fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to (AX)reconcile all things to Himself, (AY)whether things on earth or things in [ad]heaven, having made (AZ)peace through (BA)the blood of His cross.

21 And although you were (BB)previously alienated and hostile in attitude, engaged in evil deeds, 22 yet He has now (BC)reconciled you in His (BD)body of flesh through death, in order to (BE)present you before Him (BF)holy and blameless and beyond reproach— 23 if indeed you continue in [ae]the faith firmly (BG)established and steadfast, and not shifting from the (BH)hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed (BI)in all creation under heaven, (BJ)and of which I, Paul, [af]was made a [ag](BK)minister.

24 (BL)Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh (BM)I am supplementing what is lacking [ah]in Christ’s afflictions in behalf of (BN)His body, which is the church. 25 (BO)I [ai]was made a minister of this church according to the (BP)commission from God granted to me for your benefit, so that I might [aj]fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, 26 that is, (BQ)the mystery which had been hidden from the past ages and generations, but now has been revealed to His [ak]saints, 27 to whom (BR)God willed to make known what (BS)the wealth of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles is, the mystery that is (BT)Christ in you, the (BU)hope of glory. 28 We proclaim Him, (BV)admonishing every person and teaching every person [al]with all (BW)wisdom, so that we may (BX)present every person [am](BY)complete in Christ. 29 For this purpose I also (BZ)labor, (CA)striving (CB)according to His [an]power which [ao]works mightily within me.

You Are Built Up in Christ

2 For I want you to know how great a (CC)struggle I have in your behalf and for those who are at (CD)Laodicea, and for all those who have not [ap]personally seen my face, 2 that their (CE)hearts may be encouraged, having been (CF)knit together in love, and that they would attain to all (CG)the wealth [aq]that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a (CH)true knowledge of (CI)God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3 in whom are hidden all (CJ)the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 (CK)I say this so that no one will deceive you with (CL)persuasive arguments. 5 For even though I am (CM)absent in body, I am nevertheless with you in spirit, rejoicing [ar]to see [as]your (CN)orderly manner and the (CO)stability of your faith in Christ.

6 Therefore, as you have received (CP)Christ Jesus the Lord, so [at](CQ)walk in Him, 7 having been firmly (CR)rooted and now being (CS)built up in Him and (CT)established [au]in [av]your faith, just as you (CU)were instructed, and overflowing [aw]with gratitude.

8 (CV)See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through (CW)philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the (CX)elementary principles of the world, [ax]rather than in accordance with Christ. 9 For in Him all the (CY)fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, 10 and in Him you have been (CZ)made [ay]complete, and (DA)He is the head [az]over every (DB)ruler and authority; 11 and in Him (DC)you were also circumcised with a circumcision performed without hands, in the removal of (DD)the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been (DE)buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also (DF)raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who (DG)raised Him from the dead. 13 And [ba]when you were (DH)dead [bb]in your wrongdoings and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He (DI)made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our wrongdoings, 14 having canceled (DJ)the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and (DK)He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 When He had [bc](DL)disarmed the (DM)rulers and authorities, He (DN)made a public display of them, having (DO)triumphed over them through [bd]Him.

16 Therefore, no one is to [be](DP)act as your judge in regard to (DQ)food and (DR)drink, or in respect to a (DS)festival or a (DT)new moon, or a (DU)Sabbath [bf]day— 17 things which are only a (DV)shadow of what is to come; but the [bg]substance [bh]belongs to Christ. 18 Take care that no one keeps [bi](DW)defrauding you of your prize by (DX)delighting in humility and the worship of the angels, [bj]taking his stand on visions he has seen, [bk](DY)inflated without cause by his (DZ)fleshly mind, 19 and not holding firmly to (EA)the head, from whom (EB)the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and [bl]ligaments, grows with a growth [bm]which is from God.

20 (EC)If you have died with Christ [bn]to the (ED)elementary principles of the world, (EE)why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to (EF)decrees, such as, 21 “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” 22 (which all refer (EG)to things destined to perish [bo]with use)—in accordance with the (EH)commandments and teachings of man? 23 These are matters which do have the [bp]appearance of wisdom in [bq](EI)self-made religion and humility and (EJ)severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against (EK)fleshly indulgence.

Footnotes

  1. Colossians 1:1 Lit through
  2. Colossians 1:1 Lit the
  3. Colossians 1:2 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  4. Colossians 1:3 Or always give...praying for you
  5. Colossians 1:4 Or toward
  6. Colossians 1:4 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  7. Colossians 1:5 Lit the heavens
  8. Colossians 1:5 Or of the gospel
  9. Colossians 1:6 Or it is in all the world also, bearing
  10. Colossians 1:6 Or spreading abroad
  11. Colossians 1:6 Or came to fully know
  12. Colossians 1:9 Or real knowledge
  13. Colossians 1:10 Lit unto all pleasing
  14. Colossians 1:10 Or growing by the knowledge
  15. Colossians 1:10 Or real knowledge
  16. Colossians 1:11 Lit the might of His glory
  17. Colossians 1:11 Lit unto all
  18. Colossians 1:11 Or patience with joy
  19. Colossians 1:12 Lit unto the portion of
  20. Colossians 1:12 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  21. Colossians 1:13 Lit Who rescued
  22. Colossians 1:13 Lit authority
  23. Colossians 1:13 Lit the Son of His love
  24. Colossians 1:15 Lit Who is
  25. Colossians 1:16 Or in
  26. Colossians 1:17 Or has existed prior to
  27. Colossians 1:17 Or endure
  28. Colossians 1:19 Or all the fullness was pleased to dwell
  29. Colossians 1:19 I.e., fullness of deity
  30. Colossians 1:20 Lit the heavens
  31. Colossians 1:23 Or in faith
  32. Colossians 1:23 Lit became
  33. Colossians 1:23 Or servant
  34. Colossians 1:24 Lit of
  35. Colossians 1:25 Lit became
  36. Colossians 1:25 Lit make full the word of God
  37. Colossians 1:26 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  38. Colossians 1:28 Lit in
  39. Colossians 1:28 Or perfect
  40. Colossians 1:29 Lit working
  41. Colossians 1:29 Lit in power
  42. Colossians 2:1 Lit in the flesh
  43. Colossians 2:2 Lit of the full assurance
  44. Colossians 2:5 Lit and seeing
  45. Colossians 2:5 Or your good order
  46. Colossians 2:6 Or lead your life
  47. Colossians 2:7 Or by
  48. Colossians 2:7 Or the faith
  49. Colossians 2:7 One early ms in it with
  50. Colossians 2:8 Lit and not
  51. Colossians 2:10 Lit full
  52. Colossians 2:10 Lit of
  53. Colossians 2:13 Or although
  54. Colossians 2:13 Or by reason of
  55. Colossians 2:15 Or divested Himself of
  56. Colossians 2:15 Or it; i.e., the cross
  57. Colossians 2:16 Lit judge you
  58. Colossians 2:16 Or days
  59. Colossians 2:17 Lit body
  60. Colossians 2:17 Lit of Christ
  61. Colossians 2:18 Or deciding against you
  62. Colossians 2:18 Or going into detail about
  63. Colossians 2:18 Or conceited
  64. Colossians 2:19 Lit bonds
  65. Colossians 2:19 Lit of God
  66. Colossians 2:20 Lit from
  67. Colossians 2:22 Or by being consumed
  68. Colossians 2:23 Lit report; Gr logos
  69. Colossians 2:23 Or would-be religion
Close NIV

Colossians 1-2
New International Version

1 Paul, an apostle(A) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,(B) and Timothy(C) our brother,

2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters[a] in Christ:

Grace(D) and peace to you from God our Father.[b](E)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 We always thank God,(F) the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love(G) you have for all God’s people(H)— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope(I) stored up for you in heaven(J) and about which you have already heard in the true message(K) of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit(L) and growing throughout the whole world(M)—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras,(N) our dear fellow servant,[c] who is a faithful minister(O) of Christ on our[d] behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.(P)

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you,(Q) we have not stopped praying for you.(R) We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will(S) through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[e](T) 10 so that you may live a life worthy(U) of the Lord and please him(V) in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,(W) 11 being strengthened with all power(X) according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,(Y) 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father,(Z) who has qualified you[f] to share in the inheritance(AA) of his holy people in the kingdom of light.(AB) 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness(AC) and brought us into the kingdom(AD) of the Son he loves,(AE) 14 in whom we have redemption,(AF) the forgiveness of sins.(AG)

The Supremacy of the Son of God

15 The Son is the image(AH) of the invisible God,(AI) the firstborn(AJ) over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created:(AK) things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;(AL) all things have been created through him and for him.(AM) 17 He is before all things,(AN) and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head(AO) of the body, the church;(AP) he is the beginning and the firstborn(AQ) from among the dead,(AR) so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased(AS) to have all his fullness(AT) dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile(AU) to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven,(AV) by making peace(AW) through his blood,(AX) shed on the cross.

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies(AY) in your minds(AZ) because of[g] your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled(BA) you by Christ’s physical body(BB) through death to present you(BC) holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation(BD)— 23 if you continue(BE) in your faith, established(BF) and firm, and do not move from the hope(BG) held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven,(BH) and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.(BI)

Paul’s Labor for the Church

24 Now I rejoice(BJ) in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions,(BK) for the sake of his body, which is the church.(BL) 25 I have become its servant(BM) by the commission God gave me(BN) to present to you the word of God(BO) in its fullness— 26 the mystery(BP) 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(BQ) among the Gentiles the glorious riches(BR) of this mystery, which is Christ in you,(BS) the hope of glory.

28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing(BT) and teaching everyone with all wisdom,(BU) so that we may present everyone fully mature(BV) in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously(BW) contend(BX) with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.(BY)

2 I want you to know how hard I am contending(BZ) for you and for those at Laodicea,(CA) and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart(CB) and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery(CC) of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.(CD) 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.(CE) 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit(CF) and delight to see how disciplined(CG) you are and how firm(CH) your faith in Christ(CI) is.

Spiritual Fullness in Christ

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

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

9 For in Christ all the fullness(CO) of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head(CP) over every power and authority.(CQ) 11 In him you were also circumcised(CR) with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh[i](CS) was put off when you were circumcised by[j] Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism,(CT) in which you were also raised with him(CU) through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.(CV)

13 When you were dead in your sins(CW) and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you[k] alive(CX) with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,(CY) 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness,(CZ) which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.(DA) 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities,(DB) he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them(DC) by the cross.[l]

Freedom From Human Rules

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you(DD) by what you eat or drink,(DE) or with regard to a religious festival,(DF) a New Moon celebration(DG) or a Sabbath day.(DH) 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come;(DI) the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility(DJ) and the worship of angels disqualify you.(DK) Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head,(DL) from whom the whole body,(DM) supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.(DN)

20 Since you died with Christ(DO) to the elemental spiritual forces of this world,(DP) why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:(DQ) 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish(DR) with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.(DS) 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility(DT) and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Footnotes

  1. Colossians 1:2 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in 4:15.
  2. Colossians 1:2 Some manuscripts Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
  3. Colossians 1:7 Or slave
  4. Colossians 1:7 Some manuscripts your
  5. Colossians 1:9 Or all spiritual wisdom and understanding
  6. Colossians 1:12 Some manuscripts us
  7. Colossians 1:21 Or minds, as shown by
  8. Colossians 2:8 Or the basic principles; also in verse 20
  9. 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.
  10. Colossians 2:11 Or put off in the circumcision of
  11. Colossians 2:13 Some manuscripts us
  12. Colossians 2:15 Or them in him
Next
Philippians 4
Colossians 3
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