Colossians 1
Legacy Standard Bible
Thanksgiving and Prayer
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 in Christ in Colossae: (F)Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
3 (G)We 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 [d]for (K)all the [e]saints, 5 because of the (L)hope (M)laid up for you in [f]heaven, of which you previously (N)heard in the word of truth, [g]the gospel 6 which has come to you, just as [h](O)in all the world also it is constantly bearing (P)fruit and [i]multiplying, just as it has been doing in you also since the day you (Q)heard and [j]understood the grace of God in truth; 7 just as you learned it from (R)Epaphras, our (S)beloved fellow slave, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8 who also informed us of your (T)love in the Spirit.
9 For this reason also, (U)since the day we heard, (V)we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the [k](W)full knowledge of His will in all spiritual (X)wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you may (Y)walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, [l](Z)to please Him in all respects, (AA)bearing fruit in every good work and [m]multiplying in the [n]full knowledge of God; 11 (AB)being strengthened with all power, according to [o]His glorious might, [p]for the attaining of all steadfastness and [q]patience; (AC)joyously 12 giving thanks to (AD)the Father, who has qualified us [r]to share in (AE)the inheritance of the [s]saints in (AF)light. 13 Who rescued us from the (AG)authority of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of (AH)the Son of His love, 14 (AI)in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
The Firstborn of All Creation
15 [t]Who is the (AJ)image of the (AK)invisible God, the (AL)firstborn of all creation.
16 For [u](AM)in 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 And He [v](AQ)is before all things,
And in Him all things [w]hold together.
18 And He is the (AR)head of (AS)the body, the church;
Who is (AT)the beginning, (AU)the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.
19 For in Him [x]all (AV)the fullness of God (AW)was pleased to dwell,
20 And through Him to (AX)reconcile all things to Himself, having made (AY)peace through (AZ)the blood of His cross—through Him—(BA)whether things on earth or things in [y]heaven.
21 And although you were (BB)formerly alienated and enemies in mind and in evil deeds, 22 but now He (BC)reconciled you in the (BD)body of His flesh through death, in order to (BE)present you before Him (BF)holy and blameless and beyond reproach— 23 if indeed you continue in [z]the faith firmly (BG)grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the (BH)hope of the gospel, which you have heard, which was proclaimed (BI)in all creation under heaven, (BJ)and of which I, Paul, [aa]was made a [ab](BK)minister.
24 (BL)Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and (BM)I fill up what is lacking of Christ’s afflictions in my flesh, on behalf of (BN)His body, which is the church, 25 (BO)of which I [ac]was made a minister according to the (BP)stewardship from God given to me for you, so that I might [ad]fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, 26 that is, (BQ)the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His [ae]saints, 27 to whom (BR)God willed to make known what is (BS)the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is (BT)Christ in you, the (BU)hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, (BV)admonishing every man and teaching every man [af]with all (BW)wisdom, so that we may (BX)present every man [ag](BY)complete in Christ. 29 For this purpose I also (BZ)labor, (CA)striving (CB)according to His working, which He works in me in power.
Footnotes
- Colossians 1:1 Lit through
- Colossians 1:1 Lit the
- Colossians 1:2 Or holy ones
- Colossians 1:4 Or toward
- Colossians 1:4 Or holy ones
- Colossians 1:5 Lit the heavens
- Colossians 1:5 Or of the gospel
- Colossians 1:6 Or it is in the world
- Colossians 1:6 Or growing, cf. 2:19
- Colossians 1:6 Or came really to know
- Colossians 1:9 Or true knowledge
- Colossians 1:10 Lit to all pleasing
- Colossians 1:10 Or growing, cf. 2:19
- Colossians 1:10 Or true knowledge
- Colossians 1:11 Lit the might of His glory
- Colossians 1:11 Lit unto all
- Colossians 1:11 Or patience with joy
- Colossians 1:12 Lit unto the portion of
- Colossians 1:12 Or holy ones
- Colossians 1:15 vv 15-20 are formatted to show the chiastic structure of the poem
- Colossians 1:16 Or by
- Colossians 1:17 Or has existed prior to
- Colossians 1:17 Or endure
- Colossians 1:19 Or God was pleased for all the fullness to dwell
- Colossians 1:20 Lit the heavens
- Colossians 1:23 Or in faith
- Colossians 1:23 Lit became
- Colossians 1:23 Or servant
- Colossians 1:25 Lit became
- Colossians 1:25 Lit make full the word of God
- Colossians 1:26 Or holy ones
- Colossians 1:28 Lit in
- Colossians 1:28 Or perfect
Colossians 3
Legacy Standard Bible
Put On the New Man
3 Therefore, if you have been (A)raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, (B)seated at the right hand of God. 2 [a](C)Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you (D)died and your life has been hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, (E)who is our life, is manifested, (F)then you also will be manifested with Him in glory.
5 (G)Therefore, [b]consider (H)the members of your earthly body as dead to (I)sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these things, (J)the wrath of God is coming [c]upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and (K)in them you also once walked, when you were living [d]in them. 8 But now you also, (L)lay them all aside: (M)wrath, anger, malice, slander, and (N)abusive speech from your mouth. 9 [e](O)Do not lie to one another, since you (P)put off the old man with its evil practices, 10 and have (Q)put on the new man who is being [f](R)renewed to a full knowledge (S)according to the image of the One who (T)created him— 11 a renewal in which (U)there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, (V)circumcised and uncircumcised, [g](W)barbarian, Scythian, (X)slave, and freeman, but (Y)Christ is all and in all.
12 So, as the (Z)elect of God, holy and beloved, (AA)put on a (AB)heart of compassion, kindness, (AC)humility, gentleness, and [h](AD)patience; 13 (AE)bearing with one another, and (AF)graciously forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone, (AG)just as the Lord graciously forgave you, so also should you. 14 Above all these things put on love, which is [i](AH)the perfect bond of (AI)unity. 15 And let (AJ)the peace of Christ [j]rule in your hearts, to which [k]indeed you were called in (AK)one body, and [l]be thankful. 16 Let (AL)the word of [m]Christ dwell in you richly, [n]with all wisdom (AM)teaching and admonishing [o]one another (AN)with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, (AO)singing [p]with gratefulness in your hearts to God. 17 (AP)And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, (AQ)giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Family and Work
18 (AR)Wives, (AS)be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 (AT)Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. 20 (AU)Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is pleasing [q]to the Lord. 21 (AV)Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.
22 (AW)Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters [r]according to the flesh, (AX)not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but with [s]integrity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do your work [t]heartily, (AY)as for the Lord [u]rather than for men, 24 (AZ)knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward [v]of (BA)the inheritance. [w](BB)Serve the Lord Christ. 25 For (BC)he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and [x](BD)that without partiality.
Footnotes
- Colossians 3:2 Or Be intent on
- Colossians 3:5 Or put to death the members which are upon the earth
- Colossians 3:6 Two early mss omit final clause
- Colossians 3:7 Or among these
- Colossians 3:9 Or Stop lying
- Colossians 3:10 Lit renovated
- Colossians 3:11 Those who were not Greeks, either by birth or by culture
- Colossians 3:12 Forbearance toward others
- Colossians 3:14 Lit the uniting bond of perfection
- Colossians 3:15 Or act as arbiter
- Colossians 3:15 Lit also
- Colossians 3:15 Or show yourselves thankful
- Colossians 3:16 One early ms the Lord
- Colossians 3:16 Or in
- Colossians 3:16 Or one another, singing with psalms
- Colossians 3:16 Or by; lit in His grace
- Colossians 3:20 Lit in
- Colossians 3:22 Or on earth
- Colossians 3:22 Lit simplicity
- Colossians 3:23 Lit from the soul
- Colossians 3:23 Lit and not
- Colossians 3:24 Consisting of
- Colossians 3:24 Or You serve the Lord Christ
- Colossians 3:25 Lit there is no partiality
Philippians 2
Legacy Standard Bible
Christ’s Humility and Exaltation
2 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any (A)fellowship of the Spirit, if any [a](B)affection and compassion, 2 (C)fulfill my joy, that (D)you think the same way, by maintaining the same love, being united in spirit, thinking on one purpose, 3 doing nothing [b]from [c](E)selfish ambition or (F)vain glory, but with humility of mind (G)regarding one another as more important than yourselves, 4 (H)not merely looking out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 (I)Have this way of thinking [d]in yourselves which was also in (J)Christ Jesus, 6 who, although (K)existing in the (L)form of God, (M)did not regard equality with God a thing [e]to be grasped, 7 but [f](N)emptied Himself, by taking the form of a (O)slave, by (P)being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, (Q)He humbled Himself by becoming (R)obedient to the point of death, even (S)death [g]on a cross. 9 (T)Therefore, God also (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 (Y)every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is [h](Z)Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 So then, my beloved, (AA)just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your (AB)salvation with (AC)fear and trembling; 13 for it is (AD)God who is at work in you, both to will and to work (AE)for His good pleasure.
14 Do all things without (AF)grumbling or disputing, 15 so that you will be (AG)blameless and innocent, (AH)children of God without blemish in the midst of a (AI)crooked and perverse generation, among whom you (AJ)shine as [i]lights in the world, 16 holding [j]fast the word of life, so that in (AK)the day of Christ I will have reason to boast because I did not (AL)run in vain nor (AM)labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being (AN)poured out as a drink offering upon (AO)the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18 And you also, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.
Timothy and Epaphroditus Sent
19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to (AP)send (AQ)Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be in good spirits when I learn of your circumstances. 20 For I have no one else (AR)of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned about your circumstances. 21 For they all (AS)seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know (AT)of his proven worth, that (AU)he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel (AV)like a child serving his father. 23 (AW)Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I [k]evaluate my own circumstances, 24 and (AX)I am confident in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly. 25 But I regarded it necessary to send to you (AY)Epaphroditus, my brother and (AZ)fellow worker and (BA)fellow soldier, who is also your [l](BB)messenger and (BC)minister to my need; 26 because he was longing [m]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 on him only 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. 29 (BD)Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and (BE)hold men like him in high regard 30 because he came close to death [n](BF)for the work of Christ, risking his life to (BG)fulfill [o]what was lacking in your service to me.
Footnotes
- Philippians 2:1 Lit inward parts
- Philippians 2:3 Lit according to
- Philippians 2:3 Or contentiousness
- Philippians 2:5 Or among
- Philippians 2:6 Or of which to be taken advantage
- Philippians 2:7 Laid aside His privileges
- Philippians 2:8 Lit of
- Philippians 2:11 In OT, Yahweh, cf. Is 45:23-25
- Philippians 2:15 Or luminaries, stars
- Philippians 2:16 Or forth
- Philippians 2:23 Or see about
- Philippians 2:25 Lit apostle
- Philippians 2:26 One early ms to see you all
- Philippians 2:30 Lit because of
- Philippians 2:30 Lit your deficiency of service
Philippians 4
Legacy Standard Bible
Rejoice in the Lord Always
4 Therefore my brothers, loved and (A)longed for, my joy and crown, in this way (B)stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to (C)think the same way in the Lord. 3 Indeed, I ask you also, genuine companion, help these women who have contended together alongside of me in the gospel, with also Clement and the rest of my (D)fellow workers, whose (E)names are in the book of life.
4 (F)Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your considerate spirit be known to all men. (G)The Lord is [a]near. 6 (H)Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by (I)prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And (J)the peace of God, which surpasses all [b]comprehension, will (K)guard your hearts and your (L)minds in (M)Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, (N)whatever is true, whatever is dignified, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is [c]lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, consider these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen (O)in me, practice these things, and (P)the God of peace will be with you.
God Will Fill Your Needs
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last (Q)you have revived thinking about me; indeed, you were thinking about me before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak [d]from want, for I learned to be [e](R)content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in abundance; in any and all things I have learned the secret of being filled and going (S)hungry, both of having abundance and (T)suffering need. 13 I can do all things [f]through Him who (U)strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to (V)fellowship with me in my affliction.
15 And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the [g](W)first preaching of the gospel, after I left (X)Macedonia, no church (Y)fellowshipped with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone. 16 For even in (Z)Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 (AA)Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the fruit which increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I have been filled, having received from (AB)Epaphroditus [h]what you have sent, [i](AC)a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And (AD)my God will fulfill [j]all your needs according to His (AE)riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to (AF)our God and Father (AG)be the glory [k]forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet every [l]saint in Christ Jesus. (AH)The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 (AI)All the [m](AJ)saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
23 (AK)The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (AL)be with your spirit.
Footnotes
- Philippians 4:5 Or at hand
- Philippians 4:7 Lit mind
- Philippians 4:8 Or lovable and gracious
- Philippians 4:11 Lit according to
- Philippians 4:11 Or self-sufficient
- Philippians 4:13 Lit in
- Philippians 4:15 Lit beginning of
- Philippians 4:18 Lit the things from you
- Philippians 4:18 Lit an odor of fragrance
- Philippians 4:19 Or every need of yours
- Philippians 4:20 Lit to the ages of the ages
- Philippians 4:21 Or holy one
- Philippians 4:22 v 21, note 1
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