I say this in order (A)that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For (B)though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your (C)good order and (D)the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Alive in Christ

(E)Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, (F)rooted and (G)built up in him and (H)established in the faith, just (I)as you were taught, abounding (J)in thanksgiving.

See to it that no one takes you captive by (K)philosophy and (L)empty deceit, according to (M)human tradition, according to the (N)elemental spirits[a] of the world, and not according to Christ.

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Footnotes

  1. Colossians 2:8 Or elementary principles; also 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.