Colossians 1:24 – 2:7

Colossians 1

Paul’s Service in Preaching the Gospel

²⁴ Now I rejoice in my sufferings on your behalf, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church. ²⁵ I became a minister of the church for your benefit when God gave me the task of fully proclaiming the word of God, ²⁶ namely, the mystery that was hidden for past ages and generations, but now has been revealed to his saints. ²⁷ God wanted to make known to them what is the wealth of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles—this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

²⁸ We proclaim him as we admonish and teach everyone with all wisdom, so that we might present everyone perfect in Christ. ²⁹ This is the goal I am laboring to reach, striving with his strength, which is powerfully at work in me.

Colossians 2

¹ Indeed, I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those in Laodicea, and for all those who have not seen me personally. ² I am doing this so that their hearts may be encouraged as they are brought together in love, and into all the wealth of assurance that understanding brings, into the knowledge of the mystery of God, which is Christ. ^{[1] 3} All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in him.

⁴ I say this so that no one deceives you with persuasive speech that sounds reasonable. ⁵ For though I am absent bodily, I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your orderliness and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

The Fullness That Is Ours in Christ

⁶ Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, ⁷ by being rooted and built up in him, and strengthened in the faith just as you were taught, while you overflow in faith ^[2] with thanksgiving.