\id COL - The English New Testament According to Family 35 
\h Colossians 
\toc3 Col 
\toc2 Colossians 
\toc1 The Epistle of Paul to the Colossians 
\mt2 The Epistle of Paul to the  
\mt1 COLOSSIANS  
\c 1  
\s1 Salutation  
\m
\v 1 \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, apostle \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* brother \w Timothy|strong="G5095"\w*,\f + \fr 1:1 \ft Literally, “Timothy the brother”—Paul gives recognition to his junior associate.\f*  
\v 2 \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* holy \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* brothers \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w Colosse|strong="G2857"\w*: \w Grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w from|strong="G1515"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Sovereign \w Jesus|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.\f + \fr 1:2 \ft Perhaps 20% of the Greek manuscripts omit “and Sovereign Jesus Christ” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\s1 Building rapport\f + \fr 1:3 \ft Paul had never been in Colosse, so he needed to build rapport with strangers.\f*  
\p
\v 3 \w We|strong="G2249"\w* \w always|strong="G3842"\w* \w give|strong="G2168"\w* \w thanks|strong="G2168"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w* \w for|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*  
\v 4 (\w having|strong="G2192"\w* heard \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*\f + \fr 1:4 \ft The going back and forth between “Jesus Christ” and “Christ Jesus” appears to be merely a matter of style.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* love \w toward|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* saints),  
\v 5 \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w*\f + \fr 1:5 \ft ‘Hope’ in the Bible contains an element of certainty; it is not mere wishful thinking.\f* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G1722"\w* reserved \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*, \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G5210"\w* already \w heard|strong="G4257"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Truth\f + \fr 1:5 \ft Yes, ‘the’ Truth—the Text has the definite article. The Lord Jesus repeatedly referred to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of ‘the Truth’, so Paul is affirming that the Gospel they heard was God's Word.\f*  
\v 6 (\w the|strong="G1722"\w* Gospel \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w come|strong="G1510"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w*, \w where|strong="G3739"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* producing \w fruit|strong="G2592"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w growing|strong="G1722"\w*\f + \fr 1:6 \ft Although half the Greek manuscripts, followed by the \ft \+it Textus Receptus\+it*, and hence AV and NKJV, do not have “and growing”, the other half, including the best line of transmission, do. (The omission could be an easy case of ‘similar ending’.)\f* \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* heard \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w truly|strong="G1722"\w* \w understood|strong="G1921"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w grace|strong="G5485"\w*),  
\v 7 \w even|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w learned|strong="G3129"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w Epaphras|strong="G1889"\w*, \w our|strong="G5547"\w* dear \w fellow|strong="G4889"\w* \w slave|strong="G4889"\w*,\f + \fr 1:7 \ft The Greek word here means precisely ‘slave’; Paul repeatedly referred to himself as Christ's slave, as did others.\f* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w servant|strong="G1249"\w* \w of|strong="G5228"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w on|strong="G5228"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w*\f + \fr 1:7 \ft Instead of “your”, perhaps 10% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘our’ (as in NIV, NASB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w behalf|strong="G5228"\w*,  
\v 8 \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* reported \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* love \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.\f + \fr 1:8 \ft The Text has no article with ‘spirit’, so the reference may not be to the Holy Spirit, which is why I render “love in spirit”. If this love was directed toward Paul, it could not be emotional, since they had never met him. This whole paragraph is a single sentence—if you feel that the syntax is a little convoluted, you are right.\f*   
\ms1 Christ preeminent  
\s1 Walk worthily of the Lord  
\p
\v 9 \w For|strong="G5228"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w reason|strong="G1223"\w*, \w since|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* heard \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w stopped|strong="G3973"\w* \w praying|strong="G4336"\w* \w for|strong="G5228"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* asking \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w filled|strong="G4137"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w real|strong="G1922"\w* \w knowledge|strong="G1922"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w spiritual|strong="G4152"\w* \w understanding|strong="G4907"\w*,  
\v 10 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* order \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w* worthily \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, pleasing \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w way|strong="G1722"\w*,\f + \fr 1:10 \ft This reminds me of John 5:19 and 12:49-50; the Lord Jesus was filled with this knowledge and understanding (and evidently we are supposed to be as well).\f* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w fruitful|strong="G2592"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w good|strong="G3956"\w* \w work|strong="G2041"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w growing|strong="G1722"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w real|strong="G1922"\w* \w knowledge|strong="G1922"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*;\f + \fr 1:10 \ft Getting to know God is a process.\f*  
\v 11 \w being|strong="G2532"\w* enabled \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* capability \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w strength|strong="G1411"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* resides \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*,\f + \fr 1:11 \ft His glory reflects who He is, and He is all powerful; that power can “enable” us “with all capability”.\f* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w endurance|strong="G5281"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w steadfastness|strong="G5281"\w*.\f + \fr 1:11 \ft This is a great prayer to pray for anybody. Note, however, that the emphasis is on enduring and being steadfast—sounds like tough times.\f*   
\p
\v 12 \it Nor have we stopped\it* \w giving|strong="G2168"\w* \w thanks|strong="G2168"\w* joyfully \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G3962"\w* \w qualified|strong="G2427"\w* \w us|strong="G2427"\w*\f + \fr 1:12 \ft The Father declares us to be qualified, based on the Son's work. Instead of “us”, perhaps 3% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘you’ (as in NIV, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w share|strong="G3310"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w inheritance|strong="G2819"\w* \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* saints \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Light|strong="G5457"\w*;\f + \fr 1:12 \ft Yes, ‘the’ Light—the Text has the definite article. John 1:7 refers to Jesus as ‘the Light’, and in John 8:12 Jesus calls Himself ‘the Light’ of the world. What sort of person will enjoy basking in the Light?\f*  
\v 13 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w delivered|strong="G4506"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dominion|strong="G1849"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w*\f + \fr 1:13 \ft “The darkness” refers to Satan's kingdom, and since there are only the two spiritual kingdoms in this world, everyone is in either one or the other (Luke 11:23).\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w transferred|strong="G3179"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* love,  
\v 14 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* redemption \w through|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* blood,\f + \fr 1:14 \ft “Through His blood” is omitted in some 40% of the Greek manuscripts, but the 60% include the best line of transmission. Without the shed blood of God's Lamb, we would have neither redemption nor forgiveness. Praise God for the Blood!\f* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* forgiveness \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w our|strong="G1722"\w* sins.   
\s1 The supremacy of Christ described  
\p
\v 15 \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* visible representation \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* invisible \w God|strong="G2316"\w*,\f + \fr 1:15 \ft Remember Jesus' answer to Phillip in John 14:8-9.\f* ‘\w Firstborn|strong="G4416"\w*’ over \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w creation|strong="G2937"\w*,\f + \fr 1:15 \ft In that culture the ‘firstborn’ had the preeminence.\f*  
\v 16 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w created|strong="G2936"\w*\f + \fr 1:16 \ft Although the Trinity was presumably involved in the Creation, this verse plainly states that the Son was the principal agent (see also Hebrews 1:10 and John 1:10).\f*—\w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*, \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w visible|strong="G3707"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* invisible, \w whether|strong="G1535"\w* \w thrones|strong="G2362"\w* \w or|strong="G1535"\w* \w dominions|strong="G2963"\w* \w or|strong="G1535"\w* rulers \w or|strong="G1535"\w* \w authorities|strong="G1849"\w*\f + \fr 1:16 \ft “Those in the heavens” would include angelic beings, including high ranking ones—they owe their existence to the Son.\f*—\w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w created|strong="G2936"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 1:16 \ft Most inhabitants of planet Earth do not understand that God created them for Himself, so they live out their existence here without knowing why they are here. That is why Sovereign Jesus commanded that His Gospel should be proclaimed to everyone.\f*  
\v 17 Yes, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* subsist.\f + \fr 1:17 \ft “Subsist” could also be rendered ‘hold together’—maybe that is why molecules, with their contrary magnetic charges, do not fly apart.\f*  
\v 18 \w Also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Head|strong="G2776"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Church|strong="G1577"\w*.  
\p \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* Beginning,\f + \fr 1:18 \ft There is no article with “beginning”, so I consider that it functions like a proper name.\f* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w firstborn|strong="G4416"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*,\f + \fr 1:18 \ft This is an interesting (even if unpleasant) figure of speech; death is viewed as a huge womb, pregnant with all the deceased, and Jesus was literally the first one out, the first one to be ‘born’, the first one to resurrect with a glorified body. He was the first, but only the first! Because He conquered death we can also escape that ‘womb’.\f* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* preeminent \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w*,  
\v 19 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \nd \+w in|strong="G1722"\+w*\nd* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Fullness|strong="G4138"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w pleased|strong="G2106"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w dwell|strong="G2730"\w*\f + \fr 1:19 \ft I take the point to be that while Jehovah the Son was confined to a human body the Father and the Holy Spirit were with Him to such an extent that it could be said that the Godhead was dwelling in Him.\f*  
\v 20 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w through|strong="G1223"\+w*\nd* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* reconcile \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Himself|strong="G1519"\w*,\f + \fr 1:20 \ft It is difficult to know whether the pronoun refers to “the Fullness” (the Godhead) or to Christ—either makes sense.\f* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G1517"\w* \w peace|strong="G1517"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* blood \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w*\f + \fr 1:20 \ft This is reminiscent of Isaiah 53:5, “The chastisement for our peace was upon Him”. But the cost was terrible: the shed blood of God's Lamb.\f*—\w through|strong="G1223"\w* \bd \+w Him|strong="G3588"\+w*\bd*, \w whether|strong="G1535"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w or|strong="G1535"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w*\f + \fr 1:20 \ft That is what the Text says, “on”. Beings and things that are an inherent part of Heaven do not need ‘reconciling’, so Paul uses this means to indicate the non-inherent ones that do need it (but do not ask me for a list).\f* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.   
\s1 The truth applied  
\p
\v 21 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G1510"\w* reconciled \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* (\w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w once|strong="G4218"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* alienated \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hostile|strong="G2190"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w mind|strong="G1271"\w* \w because|strong="G1722"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w wicked|strong="G4190"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w*),\f + \fr 1:21 \ft Are wicked works the cause of the alienation, or its result? I suspect that they keep ‘feeding’ each other, so it is both.\f*  
\v 22 \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w physical|strong="G4561"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w*\f + \fr 1:22 \ft Note that Jesus' physical body receives emphasis; you can't have blood without a body.\f* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w present|strong="G3936"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w before|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* holy \w and|strong="G2532"\w* blameless \w and|strong="G2532"\w* above reproach\f + \fr 1:22 \ft What a marvelous purpose, what a marvelous prospect, but we have to “continue in the Faith” (verse 23).\f*—  
\v 23 \w if|strong="G1487"\w*, \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w*, \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w continue|strong="G1961"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w established|strong="G2311"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w firm|strong="G1476"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* drifting \w away|strong="G3334"\w*\f + \fr 1:23 \ft God has done His part, but we must do our part, which includes ‘continuing’ and not drifting.\f* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w*, \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* heard \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2784"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w creation|strong="G2937"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*,\f + \fr 1:23 \ft I wonder how and when this took place.\f* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w*, \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w servant|strong="G1249"\w*.   
\ms1 What Paul does and why he does it  
\s1 Present everyone perfect in Christ  
\p
\v 24 \w Now|strong="G3568"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w rejoice|strong="G5463"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w sufferings|strong="G3804"\w*\f + \fr 1:24 \ft I confess that I have not yet arrived at this spiritual level, to rejoice in suffering.\f* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w behalf|strong="G5228"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* supplement \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*\f + \fr 1:24 \ft Evidently the ongoing well-being of the Church requires suffering on our part (we cannot add to the saving work of Christ), the enduring of affliction—Satan and his minions are very active in this world.\f* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w lacking|strong="G5303"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w afflictions|strong="G2347"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w for|strong="G5228"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sake|strong="G5228"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Church|strong="G1577"\w*,  
\v 25 \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w servant|strong="G1249"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w stewardship|strong="G3622"\w* \w from|strong="G2596"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* towards \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w complete|strong="G4137"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*,\f + \fr 1:25 \ft I take it that Paul was aware that he was writing new Scripture, expounding Truth that had been withheld from Old Testament saints (verse 26).\f*  
\v 26 \w the|strong="G2532"\w* secret\f + \fr 1:26 \ft I consider that ‘secret’ is a better rendering than ‘mystery’. The truth about the Church is not all that mysterious, it just had not been explained before.\f* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* hidden \w from|strong="G2532"\w* past \w ages|strong="G1074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w generations|strong="G1074"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \nd \+w now|strong="G1161"\+w*\nd* \w has|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w revealed|strong="G5319"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* saints;  
\v 27 \w to|strong="G2309"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* resolved \w to|strong="G2309"\w* \w make|strong="G1107"\w* \w known|strong="G1107"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wealth|strong="G4149"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* secret \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*,\f + \fr 1:27 \ft Although God's saving interest has always included the whole world (“all the families of the earth”—Genesis 12:3), throughout the OT God worked mainly through His specially chosen people, Israel. Now the Bride of Christ includes Jews and non-Jews on an equal footing.\f* \w namely|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*;\f + \fr 1:27 \ft Christ is ‘the wealth of the glory’, but He must be in us for us to have any hope of sharing in that glory; and we must proclaim Him to the nations for them to have any hope.\f*  
\v 28 \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w proclaim|strong="G2605"\w*, \w warning|strong="G3560"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w man|strong="G3956"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w man|strong="G3956"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w present|strong="G3936"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w man|strong="G3956"\w* \w perfect|strong="G5046"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.\f + \fr 1:28 \ft In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) Christ commanded His followers to ‘make disciples’ (which involves a whole lot more than just ‘winning souls’), and Paul declares that to be his objective. Instead of “Christ”, perhaps 60% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘Christ Jesus’ (as in AV and NKJV). I follow the best line of transmission.\f*  
\v 29 \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w end|strong="G1519"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w labor|strong="G2872"\w*, striving \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w working|strong="G1753"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w works|strong="G1754"\w* \w through|strong="G1722"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w*.\f + \fr 1:29 \ft If we want to see God manifesting His power through us, we must subordinate ourselves to His working.\f*   
\c 2  
\s1 A wealth of confident understanding  
\m
\v 1 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w how|strong="G1492"\w* \w great|strong="G3745"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* concern \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Laodicea|strong="G2993"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3745"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w met|strong="G3708"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w personally|strong="G4561"\w*,\f + \fr 2:1 \ft Paul plainly states that he has yet to visit Colosse and Laodicea.\f*  
\v 2 \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w encouraged|strong="G3870"\w*, \w being|strong="G2532"\w* united \w in|strong="G1722"\w* love \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3956"\w* \w wealth|strong="G4149"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w confident|strong="G1722"\w* \w understanding|strong="G4907"\w*,\f + \fr 2:2 \ft To have a confident understanding of God's Truth is indeed a great treasure (but it is not for the lazy).\f* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w real|strong="G1922"\w* \w knowledge|strong="G1922"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mystery|strong="G3466"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Father \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*,\f + \fr 2:2 \ft Some 3% of the Greek manuscripts omit “and Father and of the” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 3 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w treasures|strong="G2344"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w knowledge|strong="G1108"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* hidden.\f + \fr 2:3 \ft As the primary agent in the creation of our world, the Son is the Source of all true wisdom and knowledge relative to life on this planet.\f*   
\p
\v 4 \w Now|strong="G1722"\w* \w I|strong="G3778"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* deceive \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* specious \w arguments|strong="G4086"\w*.  
\v 5 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w although|strong="G1487"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* fact \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* physically absent, \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G2532"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w rejoicing|strong="G5463"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* observe\f + \fr 2:5 \ft The basic meaning of the verb rendered ‘observe’ is to observe with the physical eye, which implies being within range and with no obstacles. But Paul obviously was not there as he wrote, in fact had never been there. He affirms that it is his spirit that is doing the seeing and rejoicing. The Protestant Reformation was a result, in part, of the Renaissance, with its emphasis on reason, so Protestants in general have had trouble understanding the spirit world. So the tendency of commentators has been to ‘spiritualize’ Paul's statement, rather than take it literally. Of course they have done the same with 2 Kings 5:26 (where Elisha says his spirit went with Gehazi) and 6:12 (where Elisha listens in on the king of Syria), not to mention John 1:48 (where the Lord Himself saw Nathanael when not physically present). Here in Brazil we have many former Spiritists and Satanists who have been converted and they affirm that they used to project their spirits outside their bodies and go all over the place—several of my former students, now genuinely converted, have told me they used to do it—but they could do so only with the assistance of a fallen angel (demon). Satan's ‘thing’ is to be like the Most High, so he is always trying to imitate Him; perhaps God's servants used to know how to do this, only without such assistance [I have heard of a few in our day who still do].\f* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* orderliness \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* firmness \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.   
\ms1 Christian responsibility  
\p
\v 6 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, keep \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w walking|strong="G4043"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Sovereign, \w just|strong="G5613"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w received|strong="G3880"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 7 \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w rooted|strong="G4492"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w built|strong="G2026"\w* \w up|strong="G2026"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*\f + \fr 2:7 \ft “Having been rooted” refers to what has already happened; “being built up” refers to the ongoing process.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* established \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*, \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w taught|strong="G1321"\w*, \w abounding|strong="G4052"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w thanksgiving|strong="G2169"\w*.   
\s1 Christ VS ‘the world’  
\p
\v 8 \w Be|strong="G1510"\w* careful \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* captures \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w philosophy|strong="G5385"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w empty|strong="G2756"\w* deceit, \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* human \w tradition|strong="G3862"\w*, \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* basic \w principles|strong="G4747"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.\f + \fr 2:8 \ft The “basic principles of the world”, including the academic community (and the media, and commerce, etc.), are controlled by Satan, and are contrary to the values of Christ's Kingdom. Unfortunately very few churches give adequate teaching on this subject.\f*  
\v 9 \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Fullness|strong="G4138"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Godhead|strong="G2320"\w* \w dwells|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w bodily|strong="G4985"\w* \w form|strong="G4985"\w*,  
\v 10 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w complete|strong="G4137"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w over|strong="G1849"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* rule \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w*.\f + \fr 2:10 \ft Wow! There is a human body (glorified) seated at the Father's right, and anyone who is in Christ is there too (Ephesians 2:6).\f*  
\v 11 \w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w circumcised|strong="G4059"\w*’ \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w putting|strong="G1722"\w* off \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* sins \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*, \w not|strong="G3739"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w circumcision|strong="G4061"\w* done \w by|strong="G1722"\w* hands \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w circumcision|strong="G4061"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*,  
\v 12 \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w buried|strong="G4916"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* baptism.\f + \fr 2:12 \ft I find it curious that Paul, writing to non-Jews, uses a very Jewish figure, which the non-Jews probably would not understand without instruction on the subject (although there would be converted Jews in the congregation). I am in doubt as to the precise identity of “the baptism” here, but it has to do with genuine conversion.\f* \w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w together|strong="G2532"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* productive \w power|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*.\f + \fr 2:12 \ft Without the resurrection there is no Gospel of Christ, and hence no hope for us. It is the resurrection that guarantees our future.\f*   
\p
\v 13 Yes \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w though|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w trespasses|strong="G3900"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* uncircumcision \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*—\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G1510"\w* \w made|strong="G4806"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w alive|strong="G4806"\w* \w together|strong="G4806"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w forgiven|strong="G5483"\w* \w us|strong="G5483"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w trespasses|strong="G3900"\w*;\f + \fr 2:13 \ft This paragraph is made up of a series of participial phrases wherein Paul switches from the 2\+sup nd\+sup* person, in the independent clause, to the 1\+sup st\+sup* person, making inclusive statements.\f*  
\v 14 \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w wiped|strong="G1813"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w written|strong="G3588"\w* record \w about|strong="G2596"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* (\w based|strong="G1537"\w* \w on|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ordinances|strong="G1378"\w*),\f + \fr 2:14 \ft The “written record” has generally been understood to refer to the Law in some way, but I believe it makes better sense to take it as the record of what each of us has done (remember ‘the books’ in Revelation 20:12), which of course is negative. Having been forgiven, the record is nailed to the cross, and that is very good news.\f* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* taken \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G2596"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w nailed|strong="G4338"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w*;  
\v 15 \w having|strong="G2532"\w* stripped \w the|strong="G1722"\w* principalities \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w authorities|strong="G1849"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G1165"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w public|strong="G3954"\w* spectacle \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w triumphed|strong="G2358"\w* \w over|strong="G1849"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* [\w the|strong="G1722"\w* cross].\f + \fr 2:15 \ft This verse gives an important aspect of Christ's victory by the cross and resurrection. Jehovah the Son took on human form in order to destroy Satan (Hebrews 2:14), and He succeeded. A victorious Roman general would bring back a certain number of the conquered soldiers and parade them, naked and in chains, before the Roman populace—total humiliation. Colossians 2:15 says that Christ did something similar to Satan and the high ranking angels that fell with him.\f*   
\s1 Don't be disqualified!  
\p
\v 16 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w do|strong="G2919"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w let|strong="G2919"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w judge|strong="G2919"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w food|strong="G1035"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w drink|strong="G4213"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w respect|strong="G3313"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w feast|strong="G1859"\w* \w day|strong="G4521"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w new|strong="G5100"\w* \w moon|strong="G3561"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w Sabbaths|strong="G4521"\w*,  
\v 17 \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w shadow|strong="G4639"\w* \w of|strong="G4983"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G3195"\w* \w come|strong="G3195"\w*, \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*'s.  
\v 18 \w Nor|strong="G2532"\w* \w let|strong="G2532"\w* \w anyone|strong="G3367"\w* disqualify \w you|strong="G5210"\w*,\f + \fr 2:18 \ft If you release your hold on “the Head” to get involved in the sorts of things mentioned, you will be disqualified. An athlete who is disqualified does not win. Have you ever heard teaching on the subject of ‘taking possession’? Be careful!\f* \w taking|strong="G1687"\w* pleasure \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* subservience \w and|strong="G2532"\w* devotion \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* angels, ‘\w taking|strong="G1687"\w* possession’ \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w not|strong="G3367"\w*\f + \fr 2:18 \ft Some 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “not” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w*, \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w puffed|strong="G1500"\w* \w up|strong="G5448"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w carnal|strong="G4561"\w* \w mind|strong="G3563"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* useful \w purpose|strong="G3739"\w*,  
\v 19 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w holding|strong="G2902"\w* \w fast|strong="G2902"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Head|strong="G2776"\w*, \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w*, \w supported|strong="G2023"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w held|strong="G2902"\w* \w together|strong="G4822"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w its|strong="G3956"\w* joints \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ligaments|strong="G4886"\w*, grows \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* increase \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.   
\p
\v 20 \w Now|strong="G1722"\w* \w then|strong="G1722"\w*, \w since|strong="G5613"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w died|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* away \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* basic \w principles|strong="G4747"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w*, \w why|strong="G5101"\w*, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w though|strong="G5613"\w* still \w living|strong="G2198"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G1487"\w*, \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* subjecting \w yourselves|strong="G1722"\w*\f + \fr 2:20 \ft They are doing this voluntarily, but they shouldn't.\f* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* regulations  
\v 21 —Don't \w handle|strong="G2345"\w*! Don't \w taste|strong="G1089"\w*! Don't \w touch|strong="G2345"\w*!—  
\v 22 (\w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w result|strong="G1519"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w corruption|strong="G5356"\w* \w through|strong="G2596"\w* overuse)\f + \fr 2:22 \ft Actually, there \+nd are\+nd* things that it is better not to taste or handle, but the overuse of such restrictions will give negative results.\f* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w commands|strong="G1778"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w teachings|strong="G1319"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w*?  
\v 23 \w Such|strong="G5100"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w an|strong="G2192"\w* \w appearance|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w self-made|strong="G1479"\w* \w religion|strong="G1479"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* subservience \w and|strong="G2532"\w* asceticism, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w value|strong="G5092"\w* \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w indulgence|strong="G4140"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*.\f + \fr 2:23 \ft “The flesh” is used to refer to our ‘old man’ or sin nature, not the meat on our bones. Asceticism and legalism tend to make people feel self-righteous, which the ‘old man’ loves.\f*   
\c 3  
\s1 Things above VS things below  
\m
\v 1 Furthermore, since \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w raised|strong="G4891"\w* \w together|strong="G1722"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w seek|strong="G2212"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* above, \w where|strong="G3757"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*, \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w right|strong="G1188"\w*;  
\v 2 \w set|strong="G5426"\w* \w your|strong="G1909"\w* \w mind|strong="G5426"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w above|strong="G1909"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*,  
\v 3 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w died|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w life|strong="G2222"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w hidden|strong="G2928"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.\f + \fr 3:3 \ft What does it mean to have one's life “hidden” in God? I imagine it has to do with protection and security.\f*  
\v 4 \w Whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w our|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 3:4 \ft Instead of “our”, perhaps 10% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘your’ (as in NIV, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w life|strong="G2222"\w*, \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w revealed|strong="G5319"\w*, \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w revealed|strong="G5319"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*.\f + \fr 3:4 \ft I suppose that this refers to Christ's second coming to set up His Messianic (Millennial) Kingdom.\f*   
\p
\v 5 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* death \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w members|strong="G3196"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*:\f + \fr 3:5 \ft A curious turn of phrase, ‘members on the earth’; perhaps the point is that the things listed belong to this earth and cannot leave it. There will be nothing of the sort in Heaven.\f* \w fornication|strong="G4202"\w*, filthiness, \w passion|strong="G3806"\w*, \w evil|strong="G2556"\w* \w desire|strong="G1939"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w greediness|strong="G4124"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w idolatry|strong="G1495"\w*.\f + \fr 3:5 \ft That is what the Text says, “the greediness that is idolatry”, which leads me to suppose that there may be a greediness that is not, but I do not know which it might be.\f*  
\v 6 \w Because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w these|strong="G3739"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w wrath|strong="G3709"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* disobedience,\f + \fr 3:6 \ft “The sons of the disobedience” is a Pauline phrase that he also uses in Ephesians 2:2 and 5:6. The reference is to people who are characterized by disobedience to God; they have deliberately chosen the side of evil, and therefore are worthy candidates for God's wrath. Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “upon the sons of the disobedience” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, etc.).\f*  
\v 7 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w* \w once|strong="G4218"\w* \w walked|strong="G4043"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w lived|strong="G2198"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G1722"\w*.  
\v 8 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* rid \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3956"\w*—\w anger|strong="G3709"\w*, \w rage|strong="G2372"\w*, \w malice|strong="G2549"\w*, slander, obscene speech—\w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w*.  
\v 9 \w Do|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w lie|strong="G5574"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w another|strong="G3588"\w*, since \w you|strong="G3361"\w* \w have|strong="G3588"\w* taken off \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w old|strong="G3820"\w* \w man|strong="G3361"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w practices|strong="G4234"\w*  
\v 10 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G1746"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w new|strong="G3501"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* renewed \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w real|strong="G1922"\w* \w knowledge|strong="G1922"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w image|strong="G1504"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w Creator|strong="G2936"\w*,  
\v 11 \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w neither|strong="G3756"\w* \w Greek|strong="G1672"\w* \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jew|strong="G2453"\w*, \w circumcision|strong="G4061"\w* \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* uncircumcision, barbarian, \w Scythian|strong="G4658"\w*, \w slave|strong="G1401"\w*, \w free|strong="G1658"\w*; \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.\f + \fr 3:11 \ft ‘Nationalism’ has no legitimate place in the Church. There will be no ‘Americans’, ‘Brazilians’, ‘Russians’, ‘Chinese’, etc. in Heaven—there will only be true disciples of Sovereign Jesus.\f*   
\s1 Relationships among believers  
\p
\v 12 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w chosen|strong="G1588"\w* ones, holy \w and|strong="G2532"\w* beloved, \w put|strong="G1746"\w* \w on|strong="G1746"\w* \w hearts|strong="G4698"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w compassion|strong="G3628"\w*, \w kindness|strong="G5544"\w*, \w humility|strong="G5012"\w*, \w gentleness|strong="G4240"\w*, \w patience|strong="G3115"\w*;  
\v 13 \w bearing|strong="G2192"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w another|strong="G1438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w forgiving|strong="G5483"\w* \w each|strong="G1438"\w* \w other|strong="G1438"\w*, \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w should|strong="G5100"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w complaint|strong="G3437"\w* \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w another|strong="G1438"\w*—\w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*\f + \fr 3:13 \ft Instead of “Christ”, perhaps 2% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘Lord’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w forgave|strong="G5483"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w must|strong="G5100"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 14 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w above|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w put|strong="G3956"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* love, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w bond|strong="G4886"\w* \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w perfection|strong="G5047"\w*.\f + \fr 3:14 \ft \+it Agape\+it* love is unselfish, genuinely concerned for the other's well-being.\f*   
\p
\v 15 \w Let|strong="G1096"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 3:15 \ft Instead of “God”, some 5% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘Christ’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w rule|strong="G1018"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w*, \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w thankful|strong="G2170"\w*.   
\p
\v 16 \w Let|strong="G1774"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w dwell|strong="G1774"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w richly|strong="G4146"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w admonish|strong="G3560"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w another|strong="G1438"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* sing \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 3:16 \ft Instead of “the Lord”, perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘God’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w psalms|strong="G5568"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hymns|strong="G5215"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w spiritual|strong="G4152"\w* \w songs|strong="G5603"\w*.\f + \fr 3:16 \ft Our singing is supposed to reflect “the Word of Christ”. Indeed, all of our teaching and admonishing should be based on that Word.\f*   
\p
\v 17 \w Whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w deed|strong="G2041"\w*, \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w giving|strong="G2168"\w* \w thanks|strong="G2168"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 3:17 \ft We thank God for the privilege.\f*   
\s1 Household relationships  
\p
\v 18 \w Wives|strong="G1135"\w*, subordinate \w yourselves|strong="G5293"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* own husbands,\f + \fr 3:18 \ft In these verses we have a series of verbs in the imperative mood; they are commands. A woman who subordinates herself to her husband will be doing herself a favor (it makes it easier for him to love her).\f* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* fitting \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.   
\p
\v 19 Husbands, love \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w wives|strong="G1135"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w embittered|strong="G4087"\w* \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 3:19 \ft Right on! That is just how men tend to react, being frustrated by women's wiles and quite different way of thinking. But a man who has the good sense to give value to that different way of thinking will come out ahead.\f*   
\p
\v 20 \w Children|strong="G5043"\w*, \w obey|strong="G5219"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w parents|strong="G1118"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w well|strong="G1063"\w* \w pleasing|strong="G2101"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.\f + \fr 3:20 \ft So of course such commands must not be contrary to God's moral code.\f*   
\p
\v 21 \w Fathers|strong="G3962"\w*, \w do|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w provoke|strong="G2042"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* lose heart.\f + \fr 3:21 \ft Unreasonable demands, harsh treatment, lack of clear guidelines—there are various ways to frustrate children and cause them to lose heart, and even give up. In today's world they will probably cop out by going to drugs, or the Internet (both of which leave them wide open to demonic influence).\f*   
\p
\v 22 \w Slaves|strong="G1401"\w*, \w obey|strong="G5219"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w masters|strong="G2962"\w* (\w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*) \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w just|strong="G5613"\w* \w when|strong="G5613"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* looking, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* men-pleasers, \w but|strong="G3361"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* sincerity \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*, \w fearing|strong="G5399"\w* \w God|strong="G2962"\w*.\f + \fr 3:22 \ft Notice that slavery is not condemned; a slave who converted to Christ could not expect to go free; rather he was expected to be a better slave! Instead of “God”, perhaps 10% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘the Lord’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 23 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*, \w give|strong="G4160"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w*'ve got,\f + \fr 3:23 \ft If a human owner is to be served in this way, how much more a divine Owner!\f* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 24 \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G2962"\w* receive \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w inheritance|strong="G2817"\w* \w as|strong="G3754"\w* \w a|strong="G1492"\w* reward; \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w serve|strong="G1398"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.  
\v 25 (\w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w wrong|strong="G2865"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* repaid \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w wrong|strong="G2865"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w favoritism|strong="G4382"\w*.)\f + \fr 3:25 \ft Being saved does not mean we get a free ride.\f*   
\c 4  
\m
\v 1 \w Masters|strong="G2962"\w*, provide \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w slaves|strong="G1401"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w just|strong="G1342"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fair|strong="G2532"\w*, \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w Master|strong="G2962"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*.\f + \fr 4:1 \ft This is a good thing for all of us to remember.\f*   
\s1 Redeem the time  
\p
\v 2 \w Continue|strong="G4342"\w* \w earnestly|strong="G4335"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w*, \w being|strong="G1722"\w* \w vigilant|strong="G1127"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w thanksgiving|strong="G2169"\w*,  
\v 3 \w at|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G3739"\w* \w time|strong="G3739"\w* \w praying|strong="G4336"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* open \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w door|strong="G2374"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w*, \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mystery|strong="G3466"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* (\w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w chains|strong="G1210"\w*),  
\v 4 \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w make|strong="G5319"\w* \w it|strong="G5319"\w* \w manifest|strong="G5319"\w*, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w ought|strong="G1163"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w*.  
\v 5 \w Behave|strong="G4043"\w* wisely \w toward|strong="G4314"\w* \w outsiders|strong="G3588"\w*, \w making|strong="G1805"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w most|strong="G1805"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w opportunity|strong="G2540"\w*.  
\v 6 Let \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w always|strong="G3842"\w* \w be|strong="G1163"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w*, seasoned \w with|strong="G1722"\w* salt,\f + \fr 4:6 \ft I wonder what “seasoned with salt” means. At least what we say should not be ‘insipid’, pointless.\f* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w ought|strong="G1163"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w answer|strong="G3056"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w*.   
\ms1 Concluding remarks  
\p
\v 7 \w Tychicus|strong="G5190"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w tell|strong="G1107"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* news \w about|strong="G2596"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*; \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* dear brother, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w minister|strong="G1249"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fellow|strong="G4889"\w* \w slave|strong="G4889"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.  
\v 8 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w sending|strong="G3992"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w purpose|strong="G3739"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w circumstances|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w encourage|strong="G3870"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w*,  
\v 9 \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w Onesimus|strong="G3682"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* beloved brother, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*; \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w tell|strong="G1107"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* happening \w here|strong="G5602"\w*.   
\p
\v 10 Aristarchus \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w fellow|strong="G4869"\w* \w prisoner|strong="G4869"\w* greets \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w does|strong="G1209"\w* \w Mark|strong="G3138"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* cousin \w of|strong="G4012"\w* Barnabas (\w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w received|strong="G2983"\w* \w instructions|strong="G1785"\w*; \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w welcome|strong="G1209"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*),\f + \fr 4:10 \ft Evidently Barnabas succeeded in ‘recovering’ Mark, which Paul here recognizes.\f*  
\v 11 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Justus|strong="G2459"\w*. \w These|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w only|strong="G3441"\w* \w fellow|strong="G4904"\w* \w workers|strong="G4904"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w circumcision|strong="G4061"\w*; \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w comfort|strong="G3931"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.   
\p
\v 12 \w Epaphras|strong="G1889"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*,\f + \fr 4:12 \ft Instead of “Christ”, perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘Christ Jesus’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* greets \w you|strong="G5210"\w*; \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w always|strong="G3842"\w* wrestling \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w* \w for|strong="G5228"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w* \w perfect|strong="G5046"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w complete|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.\f + \fr 4:12 \ft We need more people like Epaphras, and that is a great way to pray.\f*  
\v 13 \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w bear|strong="G3140"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w witness|strong="G3140"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* zeal \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Laodicea|strong="G2993"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Hierapolis|strong="G2404"\w*.   
\p
\v 14 \w Luke|strong="G3065"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* beloved \w physician|strong="G2395"\w*\f + \fr 4:14 \ft Presumably this is where we get that title for Luke.\f* greets \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w Demas|strong="G1214"\w*.  
\v 15 Greet \w the|strong="G1722"\w* brothers \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Laodicea|strong="G2993"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Nymphas|strong="G3564"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w*\f + \fr 4:15 \ft Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have ‘her’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*.   
\p
\v 16 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w letter|strong="G1992"\w* \w has|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* read \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, see \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* read \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Laodicean \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w*,\f + \fr 4:16 \ft Paul expected his letters to have a wide circulation.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* turn read \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w letter|strong="G1992"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w Laodicea|strong="G2993"\w*.\f + \fr 4:16 \ft We have no copy of this letter, so presumably it was not inspired, and therefore not preserved. It is possible, even probable, that Paul wrote other letters that were not preserved.\f*   
\p
\v 17 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* Archippus, “See \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w complete|strong="G4137"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* work \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w received|strong="G3880"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.”\f + \fr 4:17 \ft This personal word is unusual in a letter to the church. Since Paul had never been to Colosse, he must have known Archippus from somewhere else, but happened to know that he was in Colosse at that time. However, that exhortation is good for all of us. The older I get, the larger that exhortation looms in my mind.\f*   
\ms1 Sign-off  
\p
\v 18 \w This|strong="G3588"\w* greeting \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G3326"\w* \w my|strong="G1699"\w* \w own|strong="G1699"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*: \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*.\f + \fr 4:18 \ft The letter was dictated to a scribe or secretary, but Paul wrote the last line himself; this was his signature, authenticating the letter.\f* \w Remember|strong="G3421"\w* \w my|strong="G1699"\w* \w chains|strong="G1199"\w*. \w The|strong="G3588"\w* \w Grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. Amen.