1. 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:
2. That their hearts may be comforted, being instructed in charity, and unto all riches of fulness of understanding, unto the knowledge of the mystery of God the Father and of Christ Jesus:
3. In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4. Now this I say, that no man may deceive you by loftiness of words.
5. 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.
6. As therefore you have received Jesus Christ the Lord, walk ye in him;
7. Rooted and built up in him, and confirmed in the faith, as also you have learned, abounding in him in thanksgiving.
8. Beware lest any man cheat you by philosophy, and vain deceit; according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ:
9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead corporeally;