Paul’s Ministry

²⁴ Now I rejoice in my sufferings^(A) for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body,^(B) that is, the church. ²⁵ I have become its servant, according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, ²⁶ the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. ²⁷ God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ^(C) in you, the hope^(D) of glory. ²⁸ We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. ²⁹ I labor for this, striving^(E) with his strength that works powerfully in me.^(F)

2 For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling^(A) for you, for those in Laodicea,^(B) and for all who have not seen me in person. ² I want their hearts to be encouraged^(C) and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery^(D)—Christ.^{[a](E) 3} In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom^(F) and knowledge.^(G)

Christ versus the Colossian Heresy

⁴ I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with arguments that sound reasonable. ⁵ For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit,^(H) rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.

⁶ So then, just as you have received^(I) Christ Jesus as Lord,^(J) continue to walk in him, ⁷ being rooted and built up in him^(K) and established in the faith, just as you were taught,^(L) and overflowing with gratitude.

Reign of the Davidic King

Not Ashamed of the Gospel

⁸ So don’t be ashamed^(A) of the testimony about our Lord,^(B) or of me his prisoner.^(C) Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power^(D) of God. ⁹ He has saved us and called us with a holy calling,^(E) not according to our works,^(F) but according to his own purpose^(G) and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. ¹⁰ This has now been made evident through the appearing^(H) of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death^(I) and has brought life^(J) and immortality to light through the gospel.