Study Desk

For the hope that is laid up for you in heaven, which you have heard in the word of the truth of the gospel,

As you learned of Epaphras, our most beloved fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ Jesus;

Therefore we also, from the day that we heard it, cease not to pray for you and to beg that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding:

For in him were all things created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominations, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by him and in him.

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the church:

For I would have you know what manner of care I have for you and for them that are at Laodicea and whosoever have not seen my face in the flesh:

For though I be absent in body, yet in spirit I am with you, rejoicing, and beholding your order and the steadfastness of your faith which is in Christ.

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead corporeally.

For you are dead: and your life is hid with Christ in God.

For which things the wrath of God cometh upon the children of unbelief.

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

For he that doth wrong shall receive for that which he hath done wrongfully. And there is no respect of persons with God.

Praying withal for us also, that God may open unto us a door of speech to speak the mystery of Christ (for which also I am bound):

What I have sent to you for this same purpose, that he may know the things that concern you and comfort your hearts:

Epaphras saluteth you, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, who is always solicitous for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and full in all the will of God.

For I bear him testimony that he hath much labour for you and for them that are at Laodicea and them at Hierapolis.

Grace be to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for you all: making a remembrance of you in our prayers without ceasing,

For our gospel hath not been unto you in word only, but in power also: and in the Holy Ghost and in much fulness, as you know what manner of men we have been among you for your sakes.

For from you was spread abroad the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and in Achaia but also in every place: your faith which is towards God, is gone forth, so that we need not to speak any thing.

For they themselves relate of us, what manner of entering in we had unto you: and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.