Study Desk

as you learned from Epaphra our beloved companion, who is himself for you a faithful minister of the Meshiha,

ON account of this also we, from the day that we heard, have not ceased to pray for you, and to supplicate that you may be filled with the knowledge of the will of Aloha in all wisdom and in all spiritual understanding,

and with joy may give thanks to Aloha the Father, who hath fitted us for a portion [fn] of the inheritance of the saints in light,

For in him (the Father) hath willed all fulness to dwell;

I rejoice in the sufferings which are on your account, and fulfil the void of the afflictions of the Meshiha in my flesh for the sake of his body,

which is the church; of which I am made a minister according to the dispensation of Aloha, which was given to me for you, to accomplish the word of Aloha;

for which also I labour and contend, according to the help of the power which is given to me.

But I wish you to know what an agony I have for you and for those who are in Laodikia, and for the rest who have not seen my person in the flesh;

For though in the flesh I am far from you, yet in the spirit I am with you; and I rejoice to behold your order, and the firmness of your faith in the Meshiha.

And in him also you are complete; for he is the head of all principalities and powers.

For if you are dead with the Meshiha from the principles of the world, why as if you lived in the world are you judged ? as that [fn]

For these are of perishable use, and are ordinances and doctrines of men;

For you are dead, and your life is hid with the Meshiha in Aloha;

For on account of these cometh the anger of Aloha upon the sons of disobedience. [fn]

And let the peace of the Meshiha direct your hearts, for to it you have been called in one body; and give thanks to the Meshiha,

Children, obey your parents in every thing, for so it is pleasing before our Lord.

And know that from our Lord you receive the reward in the inheritance; for the Lord the Meshiha you serve.

praying also for us, that Aloha may open to us the gate of the word, to speak the mystery of the Meshiha, for the sake of which I am bound,

whom I have sent to you for this, that he may know how it is with you, and may comfort your hearts;

Aristarchos, a captive with me, asketh for your peace, and Markos, the nephew [fn] of Bar Naba, regarding whom you are directed, that if he come to you, receive him,