1. I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those in Laodicea, as well as for those who have still not seen me face to face.
2. My purpose is that their hearts, joined together in love, may be encouraged. May they have all the riches of the full assurance of understanding, leading to a true knowledge of the mystery of God—that is, Messiah.
3. In Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
4. I am telling you this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive-sounding arguments.
5. For even though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit—rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your trust in Messiah.
6. Therefore as you received Messiah Yeshua as Lord, so continue to walk in Him—
7. rooted and built up in Him and established in your faith just as you were taught, overflowing with thankfulness.
8. See that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men and the basic principles of the world rather than Messiah.
9. For all the fullness of Deity lives bodily in Him,