The Preeminence of Christ

^15 (A)He is the image of ^(B)the invisible God, ^(C)the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by^[a] him all things were created, ^(D)in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether ^(E)thrones or ^(F)dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created ^(G)through him and for him. ¹⁷ And ^(H)he is before all things, and in him all things ^(I)hold together. ¹⁸ And ^(J)he is the head of the body, the church. He is ^(K)the beginning, ^(L)the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. ¹⁹ For ^(M)in him all the ^(N)fullness of God was pleased to dwell, ²⁰ and ^(O)through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, ^(P)making peace ^(Q)by the blood of his cross.

² that ^(A)their hearts may be encouraged, being ^(B)knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of ^(C)God's mystery, which is Christ, ^3 (D)in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴ I say this in order ^(E)that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. ⁵ For ^(F)though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your ^(G)good order and ^(H)the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Alive in Christ

^6 (I)Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, ^7 (J)rooted and ^(K)built up in him and ^(L)established in the faith, just ^(M)as you were taught, abounding ^(N)in thanksgiving.

⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive by ^(O)philosophy and ^(P)empty deceit, according to ^(Q)human tradition, according to the ^(R)elemental spirits^[a] of the world, and not according to Christ. ⁹ For ^(S)in him the whole fullness of deity dwells ^(T)bodily, ¹⁰ and ^(U)you have been filled in him, who is ^(V)the head of all rule and authority.