Philippians 1-4

New International Version

1 Paul and Timothy,^(A) servants of Christ Jesus,

To all God’s holy people^(B) in Christ Jesus at Philippi,^(C) together with the overseers^(D) and deacons^[a]:^(E)

²Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.^(F)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

³I thank my God every time I remember you.^(G) ⁴In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray^(H) with joy ⁵because of your partnership^(I) in the gospel from the first day^(J) until now, ⁶being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion^(K) until the day of Christ Jesus.^(L)

⁷It is right^(M) for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart^(N) and, whether I am in chains^(O) or defending^(P) and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. ⁸God can testify^(Q) how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

⁹And this is my prayer: that your love^(R) may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,^(S) ¹⁰so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,^(T) ¹¹filled with the fruit of righteousness^(U) that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

¹²Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,^[b] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. ¹³As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard^[c] and to everyone else that I am in chains^(V) for Christ. ¹⁴And because of my chains,^(W) most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.^(X)

¹⁵It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.^(Y) ¹⁷The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,^(Z) not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.^(AA) ¹⁸But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹for I know that through your prayers^(AB) and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ^(AC) what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.^[d]^(AD) ²⁰I eagerly expect^(AE) and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage^(AF) so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,^(AG) whether by life or by death.^(AH) ²¹For to me, to live is Christ^(AI) and to die is gain. ²²If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³I am torn between the two: I desire to depart^(AJ) and be with Christ,^(AK) which is better by far; ²⁴but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Life Worthy of the Gospel

²⁷Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy^(AL) of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm^(AM) in the one Spirit,^[e] striving together^(AN) as one for the faith of the gospel ²⁸without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. ²⁹For it has been granted to you^(AO) on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer^(AP) for him, ³⁰since you are going through the same struggle^(AQ) you saw^(AR) I had, and now hear^(AS) that I still have.

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,^(AT) if any tenderness and compassion,^(AU) ²then make my joy complete^(AV) by being like-minded,^(AW) having the same love, being one^(AX) in spirit and of one mind. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.^(AY) Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,^(AZ) ⁴not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.^(BA)

⁵In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:^(BB)

⁶Who, being in very nature^[f] God,^(BC)
    did not consider equality with God^(BD) something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷rather, he made himself nothing^(BE)
    by taking the very nature^[g] of a servant,^(BF)
    being made in human likeness.^(BG)
⁸And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death^(BH)—
        even death on a cross!^(BI)

⁹Therefore God exalted him^(BJ) to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,^(BK)
¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,^(BL)
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,^(BM)
¹¹and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,^(BN)
    to the glory of God the Father.

Do Everything Without Grumbling

¹²Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,^(BO) ¹³for it is God who works in you^(BP) to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.^(BQ)

¹⁴Do everything without grumbling^(BR) or arguing, ¹⁵so that you may become blameless^(BS) and pure, “children of God^(BT) without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[h]^(BU) Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ^(BV) that I did not run^(BW) or labor in vain.^(BX) ¹⁷But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering^(BY) on the sacrifice^(BZ) and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.^(CA) ¹⁸So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

¹⁹I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy^(CB) to you soon,^(CC) that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. ²⁰I have no one else like him,^(CD) who will show genuine concern for your welfare. ²¹For everyone looks out for their own interests,^(CE) not those of Jesus Christ. ²²But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father^(CF) he has served with me in the work of the gospel. ²³I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.^(CG) ²⁴And I am confident^(CH) in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

²⁵But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker^(CI) and fellow soldier,^(CJ) who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.^(CK) ²⁶For he longs for all of you^(CL) and is distressed because you heard he was ill. ²⁷Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸Therefore I am all the more eager to send him,^(CM) so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. ²⁹So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,^(CN) ³⁰because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.^(CO)

No Confidence in the Flesh

3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again,^(CP) and it is a safeguard for you. ²Watch out for those dogs,^(CQ) those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. ³For it is we who are the circumcision,^(CR) we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus,^(CS) and who put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴though I myself have reasons for such confidence.^(CT)

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵circumcised^(CU) on the eighth day, of the people of Israel,^(CV) of the tribe of Benjamin,^(CW) a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;^(CX) ⁶as for zeal,^(CY) persecuting the church;^(CZ) as for righteousness based on the law,^(DA) faultless.

⁷But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss^(DB) for the sake of Christ. ⁸What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing^(DC) Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ^(DD) ⁹and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,^(DE) but that which is through faith in^[i] Christ—the righteousness^(DF) that comes from God on the basis of faith.^(DG) ¹⁰I want to know^(DH) Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings,^(DI) becoming like him in his death,^(DJ) ¹¹and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection^(DK) from the dead.

¹²Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,^(DL) but I press on to take hold^(DM) of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.^(DN) ¹³Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind^(DO) and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴I press on^(DP) toward the goal to win the prize^(DQ) for which God has called^(DR) me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Following Paul’s Example

¹⁵All of us, then, who are mature^(DS) should take such a view of things.^(DT) And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.^(DU) ¹⁶Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

¹⁷Join together in following my example,^(DV) brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.^(DW) ¹⁸For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears,^(DX) many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.^(DY) ¹⁹Their destiny^(DZ) is destruction, their god is their stomach,^(EA) and their glory is in their shame.^(EB) Their mind is set on earthly things.^(EC) ²⁰But our citizenship^(ED) is in heaven.^(EE) And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,^(EF) ²¹who, by the power^(EG) that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies^(EH) so that they will be like his glorious body.^(EI)

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,^(EJ) my joy and crown, stand firm^(EK) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

²I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind^(EL) in the Lord. ³Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers,^(EM) whose names are in the book of life.^(EN)

Final Exhortations

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!^(EO) ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.^(EP) ⁶Do not be anxious about anything,^(EQ) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.^(ER) ⁷And the peace of God,^(ES) which transcends all understanding,^(ET) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.^(EU) And the God of peace^(EV) will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

¹⁰I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.^(EW) Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content^(EX) whatever the circumstances. ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,^(EY) whether living in plenty or in want.^(EZ) ¹³I can do all this through him who gives me strength.^(FA)

¹⁴Yet it was good of you to share^(FB) in my troubles. ¹⁵Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days^(FC) of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia,^(FD) not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;^(FE) ¹⁶for even when I was in Thessalonica,^(FF) you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.^(FG) ¹⁷Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.^(FH) ¹⁸I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus^(FI) the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant^(FJ) offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹And my God will meet all your needs^(FK) according to the riches of his glory^(FL) in Christ Jesus.

²⁰To our God and Father^(FM) be glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(FN)

Final Greetings

²¹Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me^(FO) send greetings. ²²All God’s people^(FP) here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

²³The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ^(FQ) be with your spirit.^(FR) Amen.^[j]

Notas al pie

Philippians 1:1 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in Romans 16:1 and 1 Tim. 3:8,12.
Philippians 1:12 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 14; and in 3:1, 13, 17; 4:1, 8, 21.
Philippians 1:13 Or whole palace
Philippians 1:19 Or vindication; or salvation
Philippians 1:27 Or in one spirit
Philippians 2:6 Or in the form of
Philippians 2:7 Or the form
Philippians 2:15 Deut. 32:5
Philippians 3:9 Or through the faithfulness of
Philippians 4:23 Some manuscripts do not have Amen.

Philippians 1-4

King James Version

1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

²Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

³I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

⁴Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

⁵For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

⁶Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

⁷Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

⁸For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

⁹And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

¹⁰That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.

¹¹Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

¹²But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

¹³So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

¹⁴And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

¹⁵Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

¹⁶The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

¹⁷But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

¹⁸What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

¹⁹For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

²⁰According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

²¹For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

²²But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

²³For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

²⁴Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

²⁵And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

²⁶That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

²⁷Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

²⁸And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

²⁹For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

³⁰Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

2 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

²Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

³Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

⁴Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

⁵Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

⁶Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

⁷But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

⁸And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

⁹Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

¹⁰That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

¹¹And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

¹²Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

¹³For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

¹⁴Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

¹⁵That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

¹⁶Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

¹⁷Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

¹⁸For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

¹⁹But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

²⁰For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

²¹For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

²²But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

²³Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

²⁴But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

²⁵Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

²⁶For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

²⁷For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

²⁸I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

²⁹Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

³⁰Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

3 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

²Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

³For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

⁴Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

⁵Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

⁶Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

⁷But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

⁸Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

⁹And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

¹⁰That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

¹¹If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

¹²Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

¹³Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

¹⁴I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

¹⁵Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

¹⁶Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

¹⁷Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

¹⁸(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

¹⁹Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

²⁰For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

²¹Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

4 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

²I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

³And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

⁵Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

⁶Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

⁷And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

⁸Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

⁹Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

¹⁰But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

¹¹Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

¹²I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

¹³I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

¹⁴Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

¹⁵Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

¹⁶For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

¹⁷Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

¹⁸But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

¹⁹But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

²⁰Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

²¹Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

²²All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

²³The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Colossians 1-4

New International Version

1 Paul, an apostle^(A) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,^(B) and Timothy^(C) our brother,

²To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters^[a] in Christ:

Grace^(D) and peace to you from God our Father.^[b]^(E)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

³We always thank God,^(F) the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, ⁴because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love^(G) you have for all God’s people^(H)— ⁵the faith and love that spring from the hope^(I) stored up for you in heaven^(J) and about which you have already heard in the true message^(K) of the gospel ⁶that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit^(L) and growing throughout the whole world^(M)—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. ⁷You learned it from Epaphras,^(N) our dear fellow servant,^[c] who is a faithful minister^(O) of Christ on our^[d] behalf, ⁸and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.^(P)

⁹For this reason, since the day we heard about you,^(Q) we have not stopped praying for you.^(R) We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will^(S) through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,^[e]^(T) ¹⁰so that you may live a life worthy^(U) of the Lord and please him^(V) in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,^(W) ¹¹being strengthened with all power^(X) according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,^(Y) ¹²and giving joyful thanks to the Father,^(Z) who has qualified you^[f] to share in the inheritance^(AA) of his holy people in the kingdom of light.^(AB) ¹³For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness^(AC) and brought us into the kingdom^(AD) of the Son he loves,^(AE) ¹⁴in whom we have redemption,^(AF) the forgiveness of sins.^(AG)

The Supremacy of the Son of God

¹⁵The Son is the image^(AH) of the invisible God,^(AI) the firstborn^(AJ) over all creation. ¹⁶For in him all things were created:^(AK) things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;^(AL) all things have been created through him and for him.^(AM) ¹⁷He is before all things,^(AN) and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸And he is the head^(AO) of the body, the church;^(AP) he is the beginning and the firstborn^(AQ) from among the dead,^(AR) so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ¹⁹For God was pleased^(AS) to have all his fullness^(AT) dwell in him, ²⁰and through him to reconcile^(AU) to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven,^(AV) by making peace^(AW) through his blood,^(AX) shed on the cross.

²¹Once you were alienated from God and were enemies^(AY) in your minds^(AZ) because of^[g] your evil behavior. ²²But now he has reconciled^(BA) you by Christ’s physical body^(BB) through death to present you^(BC) holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation^(BD)— ²³if you continue^(BE) in your faith, established^(BF) and firm, and do not move from the hope^(BG) held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven,^(BH) and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.^(BI)

Paul’s Labor for the Church

²⁴Now I rejoice^(BJ) in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions,^(BK) for the sake of his body, which is the church.^(BL) ²⁵I have become its servant^(BM) by the commission God gave me^(BN) to present to you the word of God^(BO) in its fullness— ²⁶the mystery^(BP) that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. ²⁷To them God has chosen to make known^(BQ) among the Gentiles the glorious riches^(BR) of this mystery, which is Christ in you,^(BS) the hope of glory.

²⁸He is the one we proclaim, admonishing^(BT) and teaching everyone with all wisdom,^(BU) so that we may present everyone fully mature^(BV) in Christ. ²⁹To this end I strenuously^(BW) contend^(BX) with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.^(BY)

2 I want you to know how hard I am contending^(BZ) for you and for those at Laodicea,^(CA) and for all who have not met me personally. ²My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart^(CB) and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery^(CC) of God, namely, Christ, ³in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.^(CD) ⁴I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.^(CE) ⁵For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit^(CF) and delight to see how disciplined^(CG) you are and how firm^(CH) your faith in Christ^(CI) is.

Spiritual Fullness in Christ

⁶So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,^(CJ) continue to live your lives in him, ⁷rooted^(CK) and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,^(CL) and overflowing with thankfulness.

⁸See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,^(CM) which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[h] of this world^(CN) rather than on Christ.

⁹For in Christ all the fullness^(CO) of the Deity lives in bodily form, ¹⁰and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head^(CP) over every power and authority.^(CQ) ¹¹In him you were also circumcised^(CR) with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh^[i]^(CS) was put off when you were circumcised by^[j] Christ, ¹²having been buried with him in baptism,^(CT) in which you were also raised with him^(CU) through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.^(CV)

¹³When you were dead in your sins^(CW) and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you^[k] alive^(CX) with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,^(CY) ¹⁴having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness,^(CZ) which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.^(DA) ¹⁵And having disarmed the powers and authorities,^(DB) he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them^(DC) by the cross.^[l]

Freedom From Human Rules

¹⁶Therefore do not let anyone judge you^(DD) by what you eat or drink,^(DE) or with regard to a religious festival,^(DF) a New Moon celebration^(DG) or a Sabbath day.^(DH) ¹⁷These are a shadow of the things that were to come;^(DI) the reality, however, is found in Christ. ¹⁸Do not let anyone who delights in false humility^(DJ) and the worship of angels disqualify you.^(DK) Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. ¹⁹They have lost connection with the head,^(DL) from whom the whole body,^(DM) supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.^(DN)

²⁰Since you died with Christ^(DO) to the elemental spiritual forces of this world,^(DP) why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:^(DQ) ²¹“Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? ²²These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish^(DR) with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.^(DS) ²³Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility^(DT) and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,^(DU) set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.^(DV) ²Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.^(DW) ³For you died,^(DX) and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴When Christ, who is your^[m] life,^(DY) appears,^(DZ) then you also will appear with him in glory.^(EA)

⁵Put to death,^(EB) therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:^(EC) sexual immorality,^(ED) impurity, lust, evil desires and greed,^(EE) which is idolatry.^(EF) ⁶Because of these, the wrath of God^(EG) is coming.^[n] ⁷You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.^(EH) ⁸But now you must also rid yourselves^(EI) of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander,^(EJ) and filthy language from your lips.^(EK) ⁹Do not lie to each other,^(EL) since you have taken off your old self^(EM) with its practices ¹⁰and have put on the new self,^(EN) which is being renewed^(EO) in knowledge in the image of its Creator.^(EP) ¹¹Here there is no Gentile or Jew,^(EQ) circumcised or uncircumcised,^(ER) barbarian, Scythian, slave or free,^(ES) but Christ is all,^(ET) and is in all.

¹²Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves^(EU) with compassion, kindness, humility,^(EV) gentleness and patience.^(EW) ¹³Bear with each other^(EX) and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.^(EY) ¹⁴And over all these virtues put on love,^(EZ) which binds them all together in perfect unity.^(FA)

¹⁵Let the peace of Christ^(FB) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body^(FC) you were called to peace.^(FD) And be thankful. ¹⁶Let the message of Christ^(FE) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom^(FF) through psalms,^(FG) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.^(FH) ¹⁷And whatever you do,^(FI) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks^(FJ) to God the Father through him.

Instructions for Christian Households^(FK)

¹⁸Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands,^(FL) as is fitting in the Lord.

¹⁹Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

²⁰Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

²¹Fathers,^[o] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

²²Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. ²³Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴since you know that you will receive an inheritance^(FM) from the Lord as a reward.^(FN) It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ²⁵Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.^(FO)

4 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair,^(FP) because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Further Instructions

²Devote yourselves to prayer,^(FQ) being watchful and thankful. ³And pray for us, too, that God may open a door^(FR) for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery^(FS) of Christ, for which I am in chains.^(FT) ⁴Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. ⁵Be wise^(FU) in the way you act toward outsiders;^(FV) make the most of every opportunity.^(FW) ⁶Let your conversation be always full of grace,^(FX) seasoned with salt,^(FY) so that you may know how to answer everyone.^(FZ)

Final Greetings

⁷Tychicus^(GA) will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant^[p]^(GB) in the Lord. ⁸I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our^[q] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.^(GC) ⁹He is coming with Onesimus,^(GD) our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you.^(GE) They will tell you everything that is happening here.

¹⁰My fellow prisoner Aristarchus^(GF) sends you his greetings, as does Mark,^(GG) the cousin of Barnabas.^(GH) (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) ¹¹Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews^[r] among my co-workers^(GI) for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. ¹²Epaphras,^(GJ) who is one of you^(GK) and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you,^(GL) that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature^(GM) and fully assured. ¹³I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea^(GN) and Hierapolis. ¹⁴Our dear friend Luke,^(GO) the doctor, and Demas^(GP) send greetings. ¹⁵Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea,^(GQ) and to Nympha and the church in her house.^(GR)

¹⁶After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read^(GS) in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

¹⁷Tell Archippus:^(GT) “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”^(GU)

¹⁸I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.^(GV) Remember^(GW) my chains.^(GX) Grace be with you.^(GY)

Notas al pie

Colossians 1:2 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in 4:15.
Colossians 1:2 Some manuscripts Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
Colossians 1:7 Or slave
Colossians 1:7 Some manuscripts your
Colossians 1:9 Or all spiritual wisdom and understanding
Colossians 1:12 Some manuscripts us
Colossians 1:21 Or minds, as shown by
Colossians 2:8 Or the basic principles; also in verse 20
Colossians 2:11 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verse 13.
Colossians 2:11 Or put off in the circumcision of
Colossians 2:13 Some manuscripts us
Colossians 2:15 Or them in him
Colossians 3:4 Some manuscripts our
Colossians 3:6 Some early manuscripts coming on those who are disobedient
Colossians 3:21 Or Parents
Colossians 4:7 Or slave; also in verse 12
Colossians 4:8 Some manuscripts that he may know about your
Colossians 4:11 Greek only ones of the circumcision group

Colossians 1-4

King James Version

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

²To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

³We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

⁴Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

⁵For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

⁶Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

⁷As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

⁸Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

⁹For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

¹⁰That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

¹¹Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

¹²Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

¹³Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

¹⁴In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

¹⁵Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

¹⁶For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

¹⁷And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

¹⁸And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

¹⁹For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

²⁰And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

²¹And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

²²In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

²³If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

²⁴Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

²⁵Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

²⁶Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

²⁷To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

²⁸Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

²⁹Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

2 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

²That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

³In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

⁴And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

⁵For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

⁶As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

⁷Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

⁸Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

⁹For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

¹⁰And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

¹¹In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

¹²Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

¹³And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

¹⁴Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

¹⁵And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

¹⁶Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

¹⁷Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

¹⁸Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

¹⁹And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

²⁰Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

²¹(Touch not; taste not; handle not;

²²Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

²³Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

²Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

³For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

⁴When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

⁵Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

⁶For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

⁷In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

⁸But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

⁹Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

¹⁰And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

¹¹Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

¹²Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

¹³Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

¹⁴And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

¹⁵And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

¹⁶Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

¹⁷And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

¹⁸Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

¹⁹Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

²⁰Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

²¹Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

²²Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;

²³And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

²⁴Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

²⁵But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

4 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

²Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

³Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

⁴That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

⁵Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

⁶Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

⁷All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

⁸Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

⁹With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

¹⁰Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

¹¹And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

¹²Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

¹³For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

¹⁴Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

¹⁵Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

¹⁶And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

¹⁷And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

¹⁸The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

New International Version (NIV)

Philippians 1-4

New International Version

Thanksgiving and Prayer

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

Life Worthy of the Gospel

Imitating Christ’s Humility

Do Everything Without Grumbling

Timothy and Epaphroditus

No Confidence in the Flesh

Following Paul’s Example

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

Final Exhortations

Thanks for Their Gifts

Final Greetings

Notas al pie

Referencia cruzada

Philippians 1-4

King James Version

Colossians 1-4

New International Version

Thanksgiving and Prayer

The Supremacy of the Son of God

Paul’s Labor for the Church

Spiritual Fullness in Christ

Freedom From Human Rules

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

Instructions for Christian Households^(FK)

Further Instructions

Final Greetings

Notas al pie

Referencia cruzada

Colossians 1-4

King James Version

More on the NIV

Philippians 1-4 New International Version

Thanksgiving and Prayer

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

Life Worthy of the Gospel

Imitating Christ’s Humility

Do Everything Without Grumbling

Timothy and Epaphroditus

No Confidence in the Flesh

Following Paul’s Example

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

Final Exhortations

Thanks for Their Gifts

Final Greetings

Notas al pie

Referencia cruzada

Philippians 1-4 King James Version

Colossians 1-4 New International Version

Thanksgiving and Prayer

The Supremacy of the Son of God

Paul’s Labor for the Church

Spiritual Fullness in Christ

Freedom From Human Rules

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

Instructions for Christian Households(FK)

Further Instructions

Final Greetings

Notas al pie

Referencia cruzada

Colossians 1-4 King James Version

More on the NIV

Philippians 1-4

New International Version

Philippians 1-4

King James Version

Colossians 1-4

New International Version

Instructions for Christian Households^(FK)

Colossians 1-4

King James Version