Study Desk

The Son paid for our sins, and in him we have forgiveness.

Through his power all things were made—things in heaven and on earth, things seen and unseen, all powers, authorities, lords, and rulers. All things were made through Christ and for Christ.

God was pleased for all of himself to live in Christ.

I am happy in my sufferings for you. There are things that Christ must still suffer through his body, the church. I am accepting, in my body, my part of these things that must be suffered.

God decided to let his people know this rich and glorious secret which he has for all people. This secret is Christ himself, who is in you. He is our only hope for glory.

I want you to know how hard I work for you, those in Laodicea, and others who have never seen me.

So do not let anyone make rules for you about eating and drinking or about a religious feast, a New Moon Festival, or a Sabbath day.

They do not hold tightly to Christ, the head. It is from him that all the parts of the body are cared for and held together. So it grows in the way God wants it to grow.

In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people.

But remember that anyone who does wrong will be punished for that wrong, and the Lord treats everyone the same.

Also pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message. Pray that we can preach the secret that God has made known about Christ. This is why I am in prison.

Jesus, who is called Justus, also greets you. These are the only Jewish believers who work with me for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

Epaphras, a servant of Jesus Christ, from your group, also greets you. He always prays for you that you will grow to be spiritually mature and have everything God wants for you.

I know he has worked hard for you and the people in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.

We always thank God for all of you and mention you when we pray.

And you wait for God's Son, whom God raised from the dead, to come from heaven. He is Jesus, who saves us from God's angry judgment that is sure to come.

We were not looking for human praise, from you or anyone else,

even though as apostles of Christ we could have used our authority over you. But we were very gentle with you, like a mother caring for her little children.

We encouraged you, we urged you, and we insisted that you live good lives for God, who calls you to his glorious kingdom.

Brothers and sisters, though we were separated from you for a short time, our thoughts were still with you. We wanted very much to see you and tried hard to do so.