1. For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,
2. that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in charity and in all the riches of the fulfilled understanding to know the mystery of the God and Father and of the Christ;
3. in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4. And this I say lest anyone should beguile you with enticing words.
5. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
6. Therefore in the manner in which ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him,
7. rooted and built up in him and confirmed in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
8. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, according to the elements of the world, and not after Christ.
9. For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily,