Colossians 1:24-2:5

New King James Version

Sacrificial Service for Christ

^24 (A)I now rejoice in my sufferings ^(B)for you, and fill up in my flesh ^(C)what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for ^(D)the sake of His body, which is the church, ²⁵ of which I became a minister according to ^(E)the ^[a]stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, ^26 (F)the ^[b]mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, ^(G)but now has been revealed to His saints. ^27 (H)To them God willed to make known what are ^(I)the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: ^[c]which is ^(J)Christ in you, ^(K)the hope of glory. ²⁸ Him we preach, ^(L)warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, ^(M)that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me ^(N)mightily.

Not Philosophy but Christ

2 For I want you to know what a great ^(O)conflict^[d] I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, ² that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, ^[e]both of the Father and of Christ, ^3 (P)in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

⁴ Now this I say ^(Q)lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. ⁵ For ^(R)though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing ^[f]to see ^(S)your good order and the ^(T)steadfastness of your faith in Christ.