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COLOSSIANS
Colossians 1:1-2
I, Paul, am sending this letter to you, who are God's people in Colossae. We pray that God will bless you.
WethankGodforyouvery often thatyoubelieveinChristJesusandthatyou love all God's people.
Wehavealsobeen praying very often to God foryou. We pray thatyouwill know trulyallthathe wants youtodo, in order thatyouwill conduct yourselvesasthe Lord's peopleshould.
GodourFatherhas caused youtobe ruled byhis Son, who existed beforeand ranks above everything thathas been created.
An alternative arrangement ofthe sentences of Colossians 1:13-19
Asforyou, Godour Father hasnowreconciledyoutohimself.
Iam completing what Christ appointed metodo, thatIshould suffer physically forthe benefit ofthe church. AndIproclaimthe previously unrevealed message about Christ toevery class of persons.
I am exerting myself very greatly on your behalf in order that you might truly know the message about Christ, in order that no one might delude you.
Conduct yourselvesasthosewhoare united toChristJesusour Lord should conduct themselves.
Make sure that no one makes you become his disciples byteachingyoua false religious philosophy, since youare spiritually complete becauseyouare united toChrist.
Disregard thosewho condemn youbecauseyoudonot obey certain regulations andbecauseyoudonot worship Godasthey insist thatyoushould.
Donot submit to elementary regulations, whichare concerned merely withwhatis external.
Be constantly wanting what is associated with heaven.
Donotdowhatis evil.
Dowhatis good; in particular, love one another.
Continue tobeat peace withone another, be constantly thanking God, and continue getting to know thoroughly the message about Christ.
Doeverythinginthe manner thatthosewhoarethepeopleoftheLordJesusshoulddo.
Wives, be subject toyour husbands; husbands, love your wives.
Children, obey your parents in every circumstance; parents, donot over-correct your children.
Slaves, obey your masters in every circumstance sincerely and wholeheartedly; masters, provide foryour slaves justly and fairly.
Pray to God persistently. And pray that God willgiveme opportunities to declare the message aboutChrist.
Always speak wisely and graciously tothosewho do not believe inthe Lord Jesus.
Tychicus will tell youallthathas been happeningtome.
My fellow workers here greet you.
Obey these instructions.
I, Paul, am penning thismyselfinorderthatyoumay know thatthis letter was sent byme. Remember toprayaboutthe fact thatIamin prison.

Note: The Old Testament in this translation is still being worked on, and is in draft form. Updates will be posted at eBible.org/t4t/.

© 2008-2017 Ellis W. Deibler, Jr.