Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

²⁷ God’s intention was to make known to them just what rich glory this mystery contains, out there among the nations. And this is the key: the Messiah, living within you as the hope of glory!

²⁸ He is the one we are proclaiming. We are instructing everybody and teaching everybody in every kind of wisdom, so that we can present everybody grown up, complete, in the Messiah. ²⁹ That’s what I am working for, struggling with all his energy which is powerfully at work within me.

God’s hidden treasure—Messiah Jesus!

2 You see, I’d like you to know just what a struggle I am having on behalf of yourselves, and the family in Laodicea, and all the people who don’t know me by sight. ² I want their hearts to be encouraged as they’re brought together in love. I want them to experience all the wealth of definite understanding, and to come to the knowledge of God’s mystery—the Messiah! ³ He is the place where you’ll find all the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

⁴ I’m saying this so that nobody will deceive you with plausible words. ⁵ Though I’m away from you in person, you see, I am present with you in the spirit, and I’m celebrating as I keep an eye on your good order, and the solidity of your faith in the Messiah.

⁶ So, then, just as you received Messiah Jesus the Lord, you must continue your journey in him. ⁷ You must put down healthy roots in him, being built up brick by brick in him, and established strongly in the faith, just as you were taught, with overflowing thankfulness.