24 [Even] now I rejoice in 1 the midst of my sufferings on your behalf. And in my own person I am making up whatever is still lacking and remains to be completed [ 1 on our part] of Christ's afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church. 25 In it I became a minister in accordance with the divine 3 stewardship which was entrusted to me for you [as its object and for your benefit], to make the Word of God fully known [among you]-- 26 The mystery of which was hidden for ages and generations [ 4 from angels and men], but is now revealed to His holy people (the saints), 27 To whom God was pleased to make known how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ within and among you, the Hope of [realizing the] glory. 28 Him we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom ( 5 comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One). 29 For this I labor [ 6 unto weariness], striving with all the 6 superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles and works within me.
1 FOR I want you to know how great is my solicitude for you [how severe an inward struggle I am engaged in for you] and for those [believers] at Laodicea, and for all who [ 8 like yourselves] have never seen my face and known me personally. 2 [For my concern is] that their hearts may be 9 braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as they are knit together in love, that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively 10 more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One). 3 In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom ( 11 comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden. 4 I say this in order that no one may mislead and delude you by plausible and persuasive and attractive arguments and beguiling speech. 5 For though I am away from you in body, yet I am with you in spirit, delighted at the sight of your [standing shoulder to shoulder in such] orderly array and the firmness and the solid front and steadfastness of your faith in Christ [that 12 leaning of the entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].