¹⁷ From now on, let no one make trouble for me, for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.^(A)

⁵ For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ.^(A)

Paul’s Interest in the Colossians

²⁴ I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.

²³ Are they ministers of Christ? I am talking like a madman—I am a better one: with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless floggings, and often near death.^{(A) 24} Five times I have received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.^{(B) 25} Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked; for a night and a day I was adrift at sea;^(C)

¹⁰ always carrying around in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies.^(A)

¹¹ But my brothers and sisters, why am I still being persecuted if I am still preaching circumcision? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. ¹² I wish those who unsettle you would castrate themselves!

¹⁵ See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God, that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble and through it many become defiled.^(A)

²⁴ Since we have heard that certain persons who have gone out from us, though with no instructions from us, have said things to disturb you and have unsettled your minds,^[a](A)

²⁵ Joshua said, “Why did you bring trouble on us? The Lord is bringing trouble on you today.” And all Israel stoned him to death; they burned them with fire, cast stones on them,^(A)

⁷ not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.^(A)