Colossians 1:23b-2:7
1:23–25 Paul’s passion to communicate the truth
…the gospel which you heard, which was proclaimed to all creation under heaven,
of which
I, Paul
, became a servant.
Now I rejoice
in sufferings
for the sake of you,
and I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions,
in my own flesh,
for
the sake of his body, which is the church,
of which
I became a servant
according to the stewardship from God that was
given to me
for you,
to fully [make known] the word of God,
26–27 The truth: hidden treasure revealed
the mystery
which has been hidden from ages and from generations,
but now has been revealed to his saints,
to whom God chose to make known
the
greatness
of the
riches
of the
glory
of this
mystery
[displayed]
among the Gentiles:
which is
Christ in you, the hope of glory.
28–2:1 Paul’s passion to communicate the truth
Him
we proclaim,
warning everyone
and teaching everyone in all wisdom,
that we may present everyone complete in Christ.
To this end
I also labour,
struggling
according to his working which works in me in power.
For I want you to know
how great a struggle I have
for the sake of you
and
those
in Laodicea,
and
for all
who have not seen my face in the flesh,
2–3 The truth: hidden treasure revealed
that their hearts may be encouraged,
being
knit together in love
,
and attaining to all
riches
of the full
assurance
of
understanding,
to the
knowledge
of the
mystery of God,
[that is]
Christ,
in whom are
all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge
hidden.
4–7 Paul’s passion to communicate the truth
I say this in order that no one may delude you with persuasive arguments.
For though in the flesh
I am absent,
yet in spirit
I am with you,
rejoicing,
and seeing your good order and the stability of your faith in Christ.
Therefore, as you have
received Christ Jesus the Lord
, so walk in him,
rooted and built up in him and established in the faith
,
just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.