[1:24] Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,
[1:25] of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,
[1:26] the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
[1:27] To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
[1:28] Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
[1:29] For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
[2:1] For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,
[2:2] that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ,
[2:3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
[2:4] I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.
[2:5] For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.