1. For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and all those who have not seen my face in person,
2. so that their hearts may be encouraged, united in love and into all the wealth of the full assurance of insight into the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ,
3. in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
4. I say this in order that no one will deceive you with persuasive speech,
5. for even if I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
6. Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, live in him,
7. firmly rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding with thankfulness.
8. Beware lest anyone take you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world and not according to Christ,
9. because in him all the fullness of deity dwells bodily,
10. and you are filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority,