Study Desk

the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.

I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me.

For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person.

For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.

For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ,

Although these have a reputation for wisdom by promoting self-made religion, false humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence.

For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people,

For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism.

At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains,

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts.

and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcised are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills.

For I testify about him that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.

We always thank God for all of you, making mention of you constantly in our prayers.

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you,

because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit,

For the word of the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out. Therefore, we don’t need to say anything,

for they themselves report what kind of reception we had from you: how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God