1. For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
2. that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Messiah,
3. in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.
4. Now this I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.
5. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Messiah.
6. As therefore you received Messiah Yeshua, the Lord, walk in him,
7. rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.
8. Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Messiah.
9. For in him all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily,