Colossians 2:4-8

Paul's Ministry to the Church

4 I say this in order d that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For e though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your f good order and g the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Alive in Christ

6 h Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 i rooted and j built up in him and k established in the faith, just l as you were taught, abounding m in thanksgiving.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by n philosophy and o empty deceit, according to p human tradition, according to the q elemental spirits 1 of the world, and not according to Christ.

  1. Cross References
    Romans 16:18
    For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
    Ephesians 5:6
    Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
    2 Peter 2:3
    And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
  2. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 5:3
    For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing.
  3. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 14:40
    But all things should be done decently and in order.
  4. Cross References
    1 Peter 5:9
    Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
  5. Cross References
    Colossians 1:10
    So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
    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.
  6. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:17
    So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith - that you, being rooted and grounded in love.
  7. Cross References
    Acts 20:32
    And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
    Ephesians 2:20
    Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.
    1 Corinthians 3:9
    For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.
  8. Cross References
    Hebrews 13:9
    Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
  9. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:21
    Assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus.
  10. Cross References
    Colossians 4:2
    Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
    Ephesians 5:20
    Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  11. Cross References
    1 Timothy 6:20
    O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called "knowledge.
  12. Cross References
    Ephesians 5:6
    Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
  13. Cross References
    Matthew 15:2
    "Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat."
  14. Cross References
    Colossians 2:20
    If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations -
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.