² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart^(A) and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery^(B) of God, namely, Christ,

⁸ I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our^[a] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.^(A)

²⁷ To them God has chosen to make known^(A) among the Gentiles the glorious riches^(B) of this mystery, which is Christ in you,^(C) the hope of glory.

¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love,^(A) which binds them all together in perfect unity.^(B)

The Supremacy of the Son of God

¹⁵ The Son is the image^(A) of the invisible God,^(B) the firstborn^(C) over all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created:^(D) things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;^(E) all things have been created through him and for him.^{(F) 17} He is before all things,^(G) and in him all things hold together.

²² I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are,^(A) and that he may encourage you.^(B)

⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing^(A) Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ^(B)

⁹ and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,^(A) which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. ¹⁰ His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God^(B) should be made known^(C) to the rulers and authorities^(D) in the heavenly realms,^(E)

²⁵ Now to him who is able^(A) to establish you in accordance with my gospel,^(B) the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery^(C) hidden for long ages past,