1. I want you to know that I am trying very hard to help you. And I am trying to help those in Laodicea and others who have never seen me.
2. I want them to be strengthened and joined together with love and to have the full confidence that comes from understanding. I want them to know completely the secret truth that God has made known. That truth is Christ himself.
3. In him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are kept safe.
4. I tell you this so that no one can fool you by telling you ideas that seem good, but are false.
5. Even though I am far away, my thoughts are always with you. I am happy to see your good lives and your strong faith in Christ.
6. You accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, so continue to live following him.
7. You must depend on Christ only, drawing life and strength from him. Just as you were taught the truth, continue to grow stronger in your understanding of it. And never stop giving thanks to God.