I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.(A) For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit(B) and delight to see how disciplined(C) you are and how firm(D) your faith in Christ(E) is.

Spiritual Fullness in Christ

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

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

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Footnotes

  1. Colossians 2:8 Or the basic principles; also in verse 20

I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.

Freedom from Rules and New Life in Christ

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers[a] of this world, rather than from Christ.

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Footnotes

  1. 2:8 Or the spiritual principles; also in 2:20.

And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

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