⁸ But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters.^(A)

Taming the Tongue

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will face stricter judgment.^(A)

¹² What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” ¹³ Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?^(A)

³ Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.^(A)

³² but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail, and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”^(A)

⁵ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved;^[a] with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”^(A)

A Vision of Christ

⁹ I, John, your brother who share with you the persecution and the kingdom and the endurance in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.^[a](A)

Salutation

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

² To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.^[a]

¹⁰ Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah.^[a]

⁹ but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers and sisters the prophets and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”