Colossians 1

Greeting

1 Paul, a an apostle of Christ Jesus b by the will of God, and Timothy c our brother,

2 To the d saints and faithful brothers 1 in Christ at Colossae: e Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 f We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of g your faith in Christ Jesus and of g the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of h the hope i laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in j the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed k in the whole world it is l bearing fruit and growing - as it also does among you, since the day you m heard it and understood n the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from o Epaphras our beloved p fellow servant. 2 He is p a faithful minister of Christ on your 3 behalf 8 and has made known to us your q love in the Spirit.

9 And so, r from the day we heard, s we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that t you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all u spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as v to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, w fully pleasing to him, x bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11 y May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for z all endurance and patience a with joy, 12 b giving thanks 4 to the Father, who has qualified you 5 to share in c the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He d has delivered us from e the domain of darkness and transferred us to f the kingdom of g his beloved Son, 14 h in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The Preeminence of Christ

15 i He is the image of j the invisible God, k the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by 6 him all things were created, l in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether m thrones or n dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created o through him and for him. 17 And p he is before all things, and in him all things q hold together. 18 And r he is the head of the body, the church. He is s the beginning, t the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For u in him all the v fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and w through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, x making peace y by the blood of his cross.

21 z And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, a doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled b in his body of flesh by his death, c in order to present you holy and blameless and d above reproach before him, 23 e if indeed you continue in the faith, f stable and steadfast, not shifting from g the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed h in all creation 7 under heaven, i and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Paul's Ministry to the Church

24 Now j I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh k I am filling up l what is lacking in Christ's afflictions m for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 n of which I became a minister according to o the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 p the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 q To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are r the riches of the glory of p this mystery, which is Christ in you, s the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that t we may present everyone u mature in Christ. 29 For this v I toil, w struggling x with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

  1. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 1:1
    Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:
  2. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 1:1
    Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes.
  3. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 3:2
    And we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith.
  4. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:1
    Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
    Philippians 1:1
    Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
  5. Cross References
    Romans 1:7
    To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
  6. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:15 - 16
    For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints.
    Philemon 1:4
    I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers.
  7. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 1:3
    Remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
  8. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 1:3
    Remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
  9. Cross References
    Colossians 1:23
    If indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
    Acts 23:6
    Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.
    Titus 1:2
    In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began
    Hebrews 3:6
    But Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
  10. Cross References
    2 Timothy 4:8
    Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
    1 Peter 1:4
    To an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.
  11. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:13
    In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
  12. Cross References
    Colossians 1:23
    If indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
    Psalms 98:3
    He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
    Matthew 24:14
    And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
  13. Cross References
    John 15:5
    I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
    John 15:16
    You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
    Philippians 1:11
    Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
  14. Cross References
    Romans 16:26
    But has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith -
    Ephesians 4:21
    Assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus.
  15. Cross References
    Acts 11:23
    When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.
  16. Cross References
    Colossians 4:12
    Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
    Philemon 1:23
    Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you.
  17. Cross References
    Colossians 4:7
    Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
  18. Cross References
    Colossians 4:7
    Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
  19. Cross References
    Romans 15:30
    I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf.
  20. Cross References
    Colossians 1:4
    Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints.
  21. Cross References
    2 Thessalonians 1:11
    To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power.
  22. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:17
    That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.
  23. Cross References
    Colossians 4:5
    Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
    Ephesians 1:8
    Which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight
    1 Corinthians 12:8
    For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit.
  24. Cross References
    Psalms 1:1
    Book One Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.
    Psalms 1:3
    He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
    Ephesians 4:1
    I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.
  25. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 5:9
    So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
    Ephesians 5:10
    And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
    1 Thessalonians 4:1
    Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.
  26. Cross References
    Colossians 1:6
    Which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing - as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.
  27. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:16
    That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.
  28. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:2
    With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.
  29. Cross References
    Matthew 5:12
    Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
  30. Cross References
    Colossians 3:15
    And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
    Ephesians 5:20
    Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  31. Cross References
    Acts 26:18
    To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.
  32. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 1:10
    And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
  33. Cross References
    Luke 22:53
    When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
    Ephesians 6:12
    For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
  34. Cross References
    2 Peter 1:11
    For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
  35. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:6
    To the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
  36. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:7
    In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.
  37. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 4:4
    In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
  38. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:17
    To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
  39. Cross References
    Psalms 89:27
    And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.
    Romans 8:29
    For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
  40. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:10
    As a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
  41. Cross References
    Ezekiel 10:1
    Then I looked, and behold, on the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim there appeared above them something like a sapphire, in appearance like a throne.
  42. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:21
    Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
  43. Cross References
    Romans 11:36
    For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
    1 Corinthians 8:6
    Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
  44. Cross References
    John 8:58
    Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.
    John 1:1
    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
  45. Cross References
    Hebrews 1:3
    He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
  46. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:22 - 23
    And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.
  47. Cross References
    Revelation 3:14
    And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.
  48. Cross References
    Acts 26:23
    That the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.
    1 Corinthians 15:20
    But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
    Revelation 1:5
    And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood
  49. Cross References
    Colossians 2:9
    For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.
  50. Cross References
    John 1:16
    And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
  51. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 5:18
    All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
    Ephesians 1:10
    As a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
  52. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:14
    For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility
  53. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:13
    But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
  54. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:1 - 2
    And you were dead in the trespasses and sins
    Ephesians 2:12
    Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
  55. Cross References
    Titus 1:16
    They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
  56. Cross References
    Romans 7:4
    Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.
  57. Cross References
    Jude 1:24
    Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy.
    Ephesians 1:4
    Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
    Ephesians 5:27
    So that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
  58. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 1:8
    Who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  59. Cross References
    John 15:4
    Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
  60. Cross References
    Colossians 2:7
    Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
    Ephesians 3:17
    So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith - that you, being rooted and grounded in love.
  61. Cross References
    Colossians 1:5 - 6
    Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel.
  62. Cross References
    Mark 16:15
    And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
    Acts 2:5
    Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.
  63. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 3:6
    Who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
  64. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 7:4
    I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.
  65. Cross References
    2 Timothy 1:8
    Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
    2 Timothy 2:10
    Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
  66. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 1:5
    For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.
  67. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:12
    To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
  68. Cross References
    Colossians 1:23
    If indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
  69. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:2
    Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you.
  70. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:9
    And to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.
    Romans 16:25 - 26
    Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages
  71. Cross References
    Colossians 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.
  72. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:18
    Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.
    Ephesians 3:16
    That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.
  73. Cross References
    Colossians 1:26
    The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
  74. Cross References
    1 Timothy 1:1
    Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.
  75. Cross References
    Colossians 1:22 - 23
    He has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him.
  76. Cross References
    Matthew 5:48
    You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
  77. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:10
    But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
    1 Timothy 4:10
    For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
  78. Cross References
    Colossians 4:12
    Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
    Colossians 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.
  79. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:19
    And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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