Bible in 90 Days

²⁶ For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,^{[a] 27} for as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you are Christ’s, then you are descendants of Abraham, heirs according to the promise.

No Longer Slaves But Sons and Heirs

4 Now I say, for as long a time as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he^[b] is master of everything, ² but he is under guardians and managers until the time set by his father. ³ So also we, when we were children, we were enslaved under the elemental spirits of the world. ⁴ But when the fullness of time came, God sent out his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, ⁵ in order that he might redeem those under the law, in order that we might receive the adoption. ⁶ And because you are sons, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba!^[c] (Father!),” ⁷ so that you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, also an heir through God.

Do Not Be Enslaved Again

⁸ But at that time when you^[d] did not know God, you were enslaved to the things which by nature are not gods. ⁹ But now, because you have come to know God, or rather have come to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental spirits? Do you want to be enslaved to them^[e] all over again? ¹⁰ You carefully observe days and months and seasons and years. ¹¹ I am afraid for you, lest perhaps I have labored for you in vain! ¹² I ask you, brothers, become like me, because I also have become like you. You have done me no wrong!

Paul’s Personal Appeal

¹³ But you know that because of an illness of the flesh I proclaimed the gospel to you the first time. ¹⁴ And you did not despise or disdain what was a trial for you in my flesh, but you welcomed me like an angel of God, like Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ So where is your blessing? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me! ¹⁶ So then, have I become your enemy by^[f] being truthful to you? ¹⁷ They zealously seek you, not commendably, but they want to exclude you, in order that you may seek them zealously. ¹⁸ But it is good to be sought zealously in good at all times, and not only when I am present with you. ¹⁹ My children, for whom I am having birth pains again, until Christ is formed in you! ²⁰ But I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone because I am perplexed about you.

Hagar and Sarah Represent Two Covenants

²¹ Tell me, you who are wanting to be under the law, do you not understand^[g] the law? ²² For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the female slave and one by the free woman. ²³ But the one by the female slave was born according to human descent, and the one by the free woman through the promise, ²⁴ which things are spoken allegorically, for these women are two covenants, one from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery, who is Hagar. ²⁵ Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is a slave with her children. ²⁶ But the Jerusalem above is free, which is our mother. ²⁷ For it is written,

²⁸ But you, brothers, are children of the promise, just as Isaac. ²⁹ But just as at that time the child born according to human descent persecuted the child born according to the Spirit, so also now. ³⁰ But what does the scripture say? “Drive out the female slave and her son, for the son of the female slave will never inherit with the son”^[i] of the free woman. ³¹ Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the female slave but of the free woman.

Live in Freedom and Love One Another

5 For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. ² Look! I, Paul, tell you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing! ³ And again I testify to every man who becomes circumcised, that he is under obligation to keep the whole law. ⁴ You are estranged from Christ, you who are attempting to be justified^[j] by the law; you have fallen from grace. ⁵ For through the Spirit by faith we eagerly await the hope of righteousness. ⁶ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love.

⁷ You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? ⁸ This persuasion is not from the one who calls you! ⁹ A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough. ¹⁰ I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will think nothing different, but the one who is confusing you will pay the penalty^[k], whoever he may be. ¹¹ Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished. ¹² I wish that the ones who are disturbing you would also castrate themselves^[l]!

¹³ For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. ¹⁴ For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”^{[m] 15} But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Live by the Spirit and Reject the Deeds of the Flesh

¹⁶ But I say, live by the Spirit, and you will never carry out the desire of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, for these are in opposition to one another, so that whatever you want, you may not do these things. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

¹⁹ Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are sexual immorality, impurity, licentiousness, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, factions, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, things which I am telling you in advance, just as I said before, that the ones who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Now those who belong to Christ^[n][o] have crucified the flesh together with its feelings and its desires.

²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. ²⁶ We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Carry One Another’s Burdens

6 Brothers, even if a person is caught in some trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of humility, looking out for yourself, lest you also be tempted. ² Carry the burdens of one another, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ³ For if anyone thinks he is something although he^[p] is nothing, he is deceiving himself. ⁴ But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, and not in someone else. ⁵ For each one will carry his own burden.

Do Good to All People

⁶ Now the one who is taught the word must share in all good things with the one who teaches. ⁷ Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked, for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap, ⁸ because the one who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. ⁹ And let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we^[q] do not give up. ¹⁰ So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the household of faith.

A Final Warning

¹¹ See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. ¹² As many as are wanting to make a good showing in the flesh, these are attempting to compel^[r] you to be circumcised, only so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. ¹³ For not even those who are circumcised observe the law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised in order that they may boast in your flesh. ¹⁴ But as for me, may it never be that I boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. ¹⁵ For neither is circumcision anything nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. ¹⁶ And all those who follow this rule, peace and mercy be on them and on the Israel of God.

Conclusion and Benediction

¹⁷ Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I carry on my body the marks of Jesus. ¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus^[s] and faithful in Christ Jesus: ² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Praise to God for Spiritual Blessings

³ Blessed is^[t] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, ⁴ just as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him in love,^{[u] 5} having predestined us to adoption through Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will, ⁶ to the praise of the glory of his grace that he bestowed on us in the beloved, ⁷ in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace, ⁸ that he caused to abound to us in all wisdom and insight, ⁹ making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in him, ¹⁰ for the administration of the fullness of times, to bring together all things in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth, in him ¹¹ in whom also we were chosen, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One who works all things according to the counsel of his will, ¹² that we who hoped beforehand in Christ should be for the praise of his glory, ¹³ in whom also you, when you heard^[v] the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also when you believed you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴ who is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom

¹⁵ Because of this I also, hearing of your faith^[w] in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, ¹⁶ do not cease giving thanks for you, making mention in my prayers, ¹⁷ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father^[x],^[y] may give you a spirit of wisdom^[z] and revelation in the knowledge of him ¹⁸ (the eyes of your hearts having been enlightened), so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance among the saints, ¹⁹ and what is the surpassing greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty strength ²⁰ which he has worked^[aa] in Christ, raising^[ab] him from the dead and seating him^[ac] at his right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ above all rule and authority and power and lordship and every name named, not only in this age but also in the coming one, ²² and he subjected all things under his feet^[ad] and gave him as head over all things to the church, ²³ which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

Made Alive in Christ

2 And you, although you were dead^[ae][af] in your trespasses and sins, ² in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience, ³ among whom also we all formerly lived in the desires of our flesh, doing the will^[ag] of the flesh and of the mind, and we were children of wrath^[ah] by nature, as also the rest of them were.

⁴ But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, ⁵ and we being dead in trespasses, he made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved), ⁶ and raised us together and seated us together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ in order that he might show in the coming ages the surpassing riches of his grace in kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; ⁹ it is not from works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are his creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, so that we may walk in them.

Jewish and Gentile Believers United in Christ

¹¹ Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, the so-called uncircumcision by the so-called circumcision in the flesh, made by hands, ¹² that you were at that time apart from Christ, alienated from the citizenship of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, not having hope, and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you, the ones who once were far away, have become near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he himself is our peace, who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of the partition, the enmity, in his flesh, ¹⁵ invalidating the law of commandments in ordinances, in order that he might create the two in himself into one new man, thus^[ai] making peace, ¹⁶ and might reconcile both in one body to God through the cross, killing the enmity in himself.^{[aj] 17} And coming, he proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to the ones who were near, ¹⁸ because through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. ¹⁹ Consequently, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God, ²⁰ built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,^{[ak] 21} in whom the whole building, joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, ²² in whom you also are built up together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.^[al]

The Mystery of Christ Revealed

3 On account of this I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles ² —if indeed you have heard about the stewardship of God’s grace given to me for you. ³ According to^[am] revelation the mystery was made known to me, just as I wrote beforehand in brief, ⁴ so that you may be able when you read^[an] to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ ⁵ (which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit): ⁶ that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow sharers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, ⁷ of which I became a servant, according to the gift of God’s grace given to me, according to the working of his power.

⁸ To me, the least of all the saints, was given this grace: to proclaim the good news of the fathomless riches of Christ to the Gentiles, ⁹ and to enlighten everyone as to what is the administration of the mystery hidden from the ages by God, who created all things, ¹⁰ in order that the many-sided wisdom of God might be made known now to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places through the church, ¹¹ according to the purpose of the ages which he carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, ¹² in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through faith in him.^{[ao] 13} Therefore I ask you^[ap] not to be discouraged at my afflictions on behalf of you, which are your glory.

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

¹⁴ On account of this, I bend my knees before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every^[aq] family in heaven and on earth is named, ¹⁶ that he may grant you according to the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person, ¹⁷ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith (you having been firmly rooted and established in love), ¹⁸ in order that you may be strong enough to grasp together with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, in order that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

²⁰ Now to the one who is able to do beyond all measure more than all that we ask or think, according to the power that is at work in us, ²¹ to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Christians Should Live in Unity

4 Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you to live in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called: ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, ³ being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; ⁴ one body and one Spirit (just as also you were called with one hope of your calling), ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.

Gifted Leaders Bring the Church to Maturity

⁷ Now to each one of us was given this grace, according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ Therefore it says,

⁹ Now “he ascended,” what is it, except that he also descended^[as] to the lower regions of the earth? ¹⁰ The one who descended himself is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order that he might fill all things.

¹¹ And he himself gave some as apostles and some as prophets and some as evangelists and some as pastors and teachers ¹² for the equipping of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all reach the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to a measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ, ¹⁴ so that we may no longer be infants, tossed about by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching, by the trickery of people, by craftiness with reference to the scheming of deceit. ¹⁵ But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow into him with reference to all things, who is the head, Christ, ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined together and held together by every supporting ligament, according to the working by measure of each single part, the growth of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.

Appeal for New Behavior

¹⁷ This therefore I say and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the Gentiles walk: in the futility of their mind, ¹⁸ being darkened in understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart, ¹⁹ who, becoming callous, gave themselves over to licentiousness, for the pursuit of all uncleanness in greediness.

²⁰ But you did not learn Christ in this way, ²¹ if indeed you have heard about him, and you were taught by him (just as truth is in Jesus), ²² that you take off, according to your former way of life, the old man, who is being destroyed according to deceitful desires, ²³ be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ²⁴ and put on the new man (in accordance with God), who is created in righteousness and holiness from the truth.

Old Behavior, New Behavior, and Motivation

²⁵ Therefore, putting aside the lie, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor,^[at] because we are members of one another. ²⁶ Be angry and do not sin;^[au] do not let the sun set on your anger, ²⁷ nor give place to the devil. ²⁸ The one who steals must steal no longer, but instead must labor, working with his own hands what is good, so that he may have something to share with the one who has need. ²⁹ No rotten word must proceed^[av] from your mouth, but only something good for the building up of the need, in order that it may give grace to those who hear, ³⁰ and do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ All bitterness, and rage, and wrath, and clamor, and abusive speech, must be removed from you, together with all wickedness. ³² Become^[aw] kind toward one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as also God in Christ has forgiven you.

Imitators of God

5 Therefore become imitators of God, as beloved children, ² and live in love, just as also Christ loved us, and gave himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a fragrant smell.^{[ax] 3} But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or greediness, must not even be named among you (as is fitting for saints), ⁴ and obscenity, and foolish talk, or coarse jesting (which are not proper), but rather thanksgiving. ⁵ For this you know for certain^[ay], that every sexually immoral person, or unclean person, or greedy person (who is an idolater), does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.

Walk Like Children of Light

⁷ Therefore do not be sharers^[az] with them, ⁸ for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live like children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth), ¹⁰ trying to learn what is well-pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹ And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even expose them. ¹² For it is shameful even to speak about the things being done by them in secret, ¹³ but all things exposed by the light are made visible, ¹⁴ for everything made visible is light. Therefore it says,

¹⁵ Therefore, consider carefully how you live, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of the time because the days are evil.

Being Filled by the Spirit

¹⁷ Because of this do not become foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not be drunk with wine (in which is dissipation), but be filled by the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and singing praise in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to the God and Father, ²¹ being subject to one another out of reverence for^[bb] Christ ²² —wives to their own husbands as to the Lord, ²³ because the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church (he himself being the Savior of the body). ²⁴ But as the church is subject to Christ, thus also wives should be subject^[bc] to their husbands in everything.

Husbands and Wives

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for her; ²⁶ in order that he might sanctify her by cleansing her^[bd] with the washing of water by the word; ²⁷ in order that he might present to himself the church glorious, not having a spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she may be holy and blameless. ²⁸ Thus also husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. The one who loves his own wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as also Christ does the church, ³⁰ because we are members of his body. ³¹ “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”^{[be] 32} (This mystery is great, but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.) ³³ Only you also, each one of you, must thus love his own wife as himself, and the wife must respect^[bf] her husband.

Children and Parents

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first^[bg] commandment with a promise), ³ “in order that it may be well with you, and you may live a long time^[bh] on the earth.”^{[bi] 4} And fathers, do not make your children angry, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Slaves and Masters

⁵ Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ, ⁶ not while being watched^[bj], as people pleasers, but as slaves of Christ doing the will of God from the heart, ⁷ serving with goodwill as to the Lord and not to people, ⁸ because you^[bk] know that each one of you, whatever good he should do,^[bl] this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. ⁹ And masters, do the same things to them, giving up threats, knowing that both their Lord and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.

Spiritual Warfare

¹⁰ Finally, become strong in the Lord and in the might of his strength. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the stratagems of the devil, ¹² because our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Because of this, take up the full armor of God, in order that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, girding your waist with truth, and putting on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and binding shoes under your feet with the preparation of the good news of peace, ¹⁶ in everything taking up the shield of faith, with which you are able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one, ¹⁷ and receive the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ with all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the Spirit, and to this end being alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹ and for me, that a word may be given to me at the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for the sake of which I am an ambassador in chains, that in them^[bm] I may speak freely, as it is necessary for me to speak.

Conclusion and Benediction

²¹ Now, so that you also may know my circumstances^[bn], what I am doing, Tychicus, my dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things, ²² whom I have sent^[bo] to you for this very reason, that you may know our circumstances^[bp], and he may encourage your hearts.

²³ Peace to the brothers and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in incorruptibility.^[bq]

Greeting

1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons. ² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving

³ I give thanks to my God upon my every remembrance of you,^{[br] 4} always in my every prayer for all of you, making the prayer with joy, ⁵ because of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ convinced of this same thing, that the one who began a good work in you will finish it^[bs] until the day of Christ Jesus, ⁷ just as it is right for me to think this about all of you, because I have you in my heart, since^[bt] both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel all of you are sharers of grace with me. ⁸ For God is my witness, that I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Prayer for Spiritual Maturity

⁹ And this I pray: that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰ so that you may approve what is superior, in order that you may be sincere and blameless in^[bu] the day of Christ, ¹¹ having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.

The Progress of the Gospel

¹² Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances^[bv] have happened instead for the progress of the gospel, ¹³ so that my imprisonment in Christ has become known in the whole praetorium^[bw] and to all the rest, ¹⁴ and most of the brothers, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, dare even more to speak the word without fear. ¹⁵ Some even because of envy and strife preach Christ, but some also because of good will. ¹⁶ The latter do so from love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷ The former proclaim Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction in my imprisonment. ¹⁸ What is the result?^[bx] Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. But also I will rejoice, ¹⁹ for I know that this will turn out to me for deliverance through your prayer and the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, ²⁰ according to my eager expectation and hope, that I will be put to shame in nothing, but with all boldness, even now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether through life or through death. ²¹ For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. ²² But if it is to live in the flesh, this is fruitful work for me, and which I will prefer I do not know. ²³ But I am hard pressed between the two options^[by], having the desire to depart and to be with Christ, for this is very much better^[bz]. ²⁴ But to stay on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. ²⁵ And because I am^[ca] convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that what you can be proud of may increase in Christ Jesus because of me through my return again to you.

Stand Firm for the Gospel

²⁷ Only lead your lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent I hear your circumstances^[cb], that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one soul contending side by side for the faith of the gospel, ²⁸ and not letting yourselves be intimidated in anything by your opponents, which is a sign of destruction to them, but of your salvation, and this from God, ²⁹ because to you has been graciously granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on behalf of him, ³⁰ having the same struggle which you saw in me and now hear about in me.

Humility and Unity

2 Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ² complete my joy, so that you are in agreement^[cc], having the same love, united in spirit, having one purpose^[cd]. ³ Do nothing according to selfish ambition or according to empty conceit, but in humility considering one another better than yourselves, ⁴ each of you^[ce] not looking out for your own interests^[cf], but also each of you for the interests^[cg] of others.

Christ’s Humiliation and Exaltation

⁵ Think this in^[ch] yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

Holding Fast to the Word of Life

¹² Therefore my dear friends, just as you 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. ¹³ For the one at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure, is God. ¹⁴ Do all things without grumbling and disputing, ¹⁵ in order that you may become blameless and innocent, children of God without fault^[cl] in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine as stars in the world,^{[cm] 16} holding fast to the word of life, for a source of pride^[cn] to me in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. ¹⁷ But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and rejoice with all of you. ¹⁸ And in the same way also you rejoice and rejoice with me.

Timothy’s Proven Character

¹⁹ But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I also may be encouraged when I^[co] know your circumstances^[cp]. ²⁰ For I have no one like-minded who will sincerely be concerned about your circumstances^[cq]. ²¹ For they all seek their own interests^[cr], not those of Jesus Christ. ²² But you know his proven character, that like a child with a father he served with me for the gospel. ²³ Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see my circumstances^[cs]. ²⁴ And I am convinced in the Lord that I myself will arrive shortly also.

Epaphroditus’ Mission

²⁵ But I considered it^[ct] necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, but your messenger and servant of my need, ²⁶ because he was longing for all of you and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. ²⁷ For indeed he was sick, coming near to death, but God had mercy on him and not on him only, but also on me, so that I would not have grief upon grief. ²⁸ Therefore I am sending him with special urgency, in order that when^[cu] you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious. ²⁹ Therefore welcome him in the Lord with all joy, and consider such people highly honored, ³⁰ because on account of the work of Christ he came near to the point of death, risking his life in order that he might make up for your inability to serve me^[cv].

Warning Against Evil Workers

3 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, but is a safeguard for you. ² Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the mutilation.^{[cw] 3} For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship^[cx] by the Spirit^[cy] of God and boast in Christ Jesus and do not put confidence in the flesh, ⁴ although I could have confidence even in the flesh.

Righteousness Through Christ

If anyone else thinks to put confidence in the flesh, I can do so more: ⁵ circumcised on the eighth day^[cz], from the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born from Hebrews, according to the law a Pharisee, ⁶ according to zeal persecuting the church, according to the righteousness in the law being blameless. ⁷ But whatever things were gain to me, these things I have considered loss because of Christ. ⁸ More than that^[da], I even consider all things to be loss because of the surpassing greatness of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for the sake of whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and consider them^[db] dung, in order that I may gain Christ ⁹ and may be found in him, not having my righteousness which is from the law, but which is through faith in Christ,^[dc] the righteousness from God on the basis of faith,^{[dd] 10} so that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, ¹¹ if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. ¹² Not that I have already received this,^[de] or have already been made perfect, but I press on if indeed I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ.^{[df] 13} Brothers, I do not consider myself to have laid hold of it.^[dg] But I do one thing, forgetting the things behind and straining toward the things ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Imitate Paul

¹⁵ Therefore as many as are perfect, let us hold this opinion^[dh], and if you think anything differently, God will reveal this also to you. ¹⁶ Only to what we have attained, to the same hold on. ¹⁷ Become fellow imitators of me, brothers, and observe those who walk in this way, just as you have us as an example. ¹⁸ For many live, of whom I spoke about to you many times, but now speak about even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ, ¹⁹ whose end is destruction, whose God is the stomach, and whose glory is in their shame, the ones who think on earthly things. ²⁰ For our commonwealth exists in heaven, from which also we eagerly await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who will transform our humble body to be conformed to his glorious body, in accordance with the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Appeal for Unity

4 So then, my beloved and greatly desired brothers, my joy and crown, thus stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. ² I appeal to Euodia and I appeal to Syntyche to be in agreement^[di] in the Lord. ³ Yes, I ask also you, true yokefellow, help them, who struggled along with me in the gospel with both Clement and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the book of life.

Be Anxious for Nothing

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. ⁵ Let your gentleness be made known to all people. The Lord is near. ⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds^[dj] in Christ Jesus. ⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are pleasing, whatever things are commendable, if there is any excellence of character and if anything praiseworthy, think about these things. ⁹ And the things which you have learned and received and heard about and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Support for Paul’s Ministry

¹⁰ But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have renewed your concern for me^[dk], for whom also you were thinking, but you had no opportunity to express it. ¹¹ Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. ¹² I know how both to make do with little^[dl] and I know how to have an abundance^[dm]. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to have an abundance^[dn] and to go without. ¹³ I am able to do all things by the one who strengthens me. ¹⁴ Nevertheless you have done well by sharing^[do] with me in my affliction. ¹⁵ Now you also know, Philippians, that at the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone, ¹⁶ because even in Thessalonica on more than one occasion^[dp] you sent for my need. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek for the profit that increases to your account. ¹⁸ But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am well supplied^[dq] because^[dr] I received from Epaphroditus what you had sent^[ds], a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will fulfill your every need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever^[dt]. Amen.

Final Greetings and Benediction

²¹ Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers with me greet you. ²² All the saints greet you, and especially those of Caesar’s household. ²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, ² to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ in Colossae. Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

Thanksgiving for the Colossian Believers

³ We give thanks always to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ when we^[du] pray for you, ⁴ since we^[dv] heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints, ⁵ because of the hope reserved for you in heaven, which you have heard about beforehand in the word of truth, the gospel, ⁶ that has come to you, just as also in all the world it is bearing fruit and increasing, just as also among you from the day you heard about and understood the grace of God in truth, ⁷ just as you learned it^[dw] from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,^{[dx] 8} who also made clear to us your love in the Spirit.

Prayer for Maturity Based on Christ’s Preeminence

⁹ Because of this also we, from the day we heard about it,^[dy] did not cease praying for you, and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual insight, ¹⁰ so that you may live in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please him in all respects^[dz], bearing fruit in every good deed and increasing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹ enabled with all power, according to his glorious might, for all steadfastness and patience with joy, ¹² giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you for a share of the inheritance of the saints in light, ¹³ who has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us^[ea] to the kingdom of the Son he loves^[eb], ¹⁴ in whom we have the redemption, the forgiveness of sins, ¹⁵ who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all^[ec] creation, ¹⁶ because all things in the heavens and on the earth were created by him, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers, all things were created through him and for him, ¹⁷ and he himself is before all things, and in him all things are held together, ¹⁸ and he himself is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he himself may become first in everything, ¹⁹ because he was well pleased for all the fullness to dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile all things to himself, by^[ed] making peace through the blood of his cross, through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

²¹ And although you were formerly alienated^[ee][ef] and enemies in attitude, because of your evil deeds, ²² but now you have been reconciled^[eg] by his physical body^[eh] through death, to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, ²³ if indeed you remain in the faith, established and steadfast and not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Paul’s Suffering and Stewardship

²⁴ Now I rejoice in my sufferings on behalf of you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ, on behalf of his body which is the church, ²⁵ of which I became a minister, according to God’s stewardship which was given to me for you, to complete the word of God, ²⁶ the mystery which has been hidden from the ages and from the generations, but has now been revealed to his saints, ²⁷ to whom God wanted to make known what is the glorious wealth of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, ²⁸ whom we proclaim, by^[ei] admonishing every person^[ej] and teaching every person^[ek] with all wisdom, in order that we may present every person^[el] mature in Christ, ²⁹ for which purpose also I labor, striving according to his working which is at work powerfully in me.

Christ, the Mystery of God

2 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and all those who have not seen my face in person^[em], ² so that their hearts may be encouraged, united in love and into all the wealth of the full assurance of insight into the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ, ³ in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. ⁴ I say this in order that no one will deceive you with persuasive speech, ⁵ for even if I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

Made Alive in Christ

⁶ Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, live in him, ⁷ firmly rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding with thankfulness. ⁸ Beware lest anyone take you captive^[en] through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition^[eo], according to the elemental spirits of the world and not according to Christ, ⁹ because in him all the fullness of deity dwells bodily, ¹⁰ and you are filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority, ¹¹ in whom also you were circumcised with a circumcision not made by hands, by the removal of the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, ¹² having been buried with him in baptism, in which also you were raised together with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. ¹³ And although you were dead^[ep][eq] in the trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, ¹⁴ having destroyed the certificate of indebtedness in ordinances against us, which was hostile to us, and removed it out of the way by^[er] nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵ When he^[es] had disarmed the rulers and the authorities, he made a display of them in public, triumphing over them by it.^[et]

Do Not Be Judged by Human Religious Rules

¹⁶ Therefore do not let anyone judge you with reference to eating or^[eu] drinking or participation in a feast or a new moon or a Sabbath, ¹⁷ which are a shadow of what is to come, but the reality is Christ. ¹⁸ Let no one condemn you, taking pleasure in humility and the worship of angels, going into detail about the things which he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, ¹⁹ and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by the ligaments and sinews, grows with the growth of God.

²⁰ If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you submit to them as if living in the world? ²¹ “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch,” ²² which things are all meant for destruction by consuming according to human commandments and teachings, ²³ which things although they have^[ev],^[ew] to be sure, an appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and unsparing treatment of the body, do not have any value^[ex] against the indulgence of the flesh.

Seek the Things Above

3 Therefore, if you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on the things above, not on the things on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

Put Off the Old Behavior

⁵ Therefore put to death what is earthly in you^[ey]: sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustful passion, evil desire, and greediness, which is idolatry, ⁶ because of which the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, ⁷ in which also you once lived, when you used to live in them.^{[ez] 8} But now you also lay aside all these things: anger, rage, wickedness, slander, abusive language from your mouth. ⁹ Do not lie to one another, because you^[fa] have taken off the old man together with his deeds, ¹⁰ and have put on the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created him, ¹¹ where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all, and in all.

Appeal for New Behavior

¹² Therefore, as the chosen of God, holy and dearly loved, put on affection, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, ¹³ putting up with one another and forgiving one another. If anyone should have a complaint against anyone, just as also the Lord forgave you, thus also you do the same. ¹⁴ And to all these things add love, which is the bond of perfection. ¹⁵ And the peace of Christ must rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom, with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God, ¹⁷ and everything whatever^[fb] you do in word or in deed, giving thanks for all things in the name of the Lord Jesus to God the Father through him.

Mutual Responsibilities in Christian Relationships

¹⁸ Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, do not provoke your children, so that they will not become discouraged. ²² Slaves, obey your human^[fc] masters in everything, not while being watched^[fd], as people pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, accomplish it from the soul, as to the Lord, and not to people, ²⁴ because you^[fe] know that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. Serve^[ff] the Lord Christ. ²⁵ For the one who does wrong will receive back whatever wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

4 Masters, grant your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you also have a master in heaven.

Further Advice for the Christian Life

² Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving, ³ praying at the same time for us also, that God may open for us a door of the message, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which also I am a prisoner^[fg], ⁴ so that I may reveal^[fh] it, as it is necessary for me to speak. ⁵ Live with wisdom toward those outside, making the most of the time. ⁶ Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how it is necessary for you to answer each one.

Exhortations Regarding Fellow Workers

⁷ Tychicus, my dear brother and faithful servant and fellow slave in the Lord, will make known to you all my circumstances^[fi], ⁸ whom I have sent to you for this very reason, in order that you may know our circumstances^[fj] and he may encourage your hearts, ⁹ together with Onesimus, my faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all the circumstances^[fk] here.

¹⁰ Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions—if he should come to you, welcome him), ¹¹ and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only ones who are fellow workers for the kingdom of God from the circumcision, who have been a comfort to me. ¹² Epaphras, who is one of you, greets you, a slave of Christ^[fl] always struggling on behalf of you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured^[fm] in all the will of God. ¹³ For I testify to him that he is working hard^[fn] on behalf of you and those in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Luke the physician, our dear friend, greets you, as does Demas. ¹⁵ Greet the brothers in Laodicea, and Nympha and the church in her^[fo] house. ¹⁶ And whenever this letter is read among you, see to it^[fp] that it is read also among the Laodicean church, and that you also read the letter from Laodicea. ¹⁷ And tell Archippus, “Direct your attention to the ministry that you received in the Lord, in order that you may complete it.”

Final Greeting and Benediction

¹⁸ The greeting is by my hand, Paul’s. Remember my imprisonment^[fq]. Grace be with you.