Citizenship in Heaven

17Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.18For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.19Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.20But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,21who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

Rejoice in the Lord

1Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

2I urge Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.3Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have labored with me for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!5Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

The Generosity of the Philippians

10Now I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.11I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.12I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need.13I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.14Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction.15And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving.16For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again.17Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.18I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.19And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.20To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings.22All the saints send you greetings, especially those from the household of Caesar.

23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Greetings from Paul and Timothy

1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,2To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,4because we have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints—5the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heaven, of which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel6that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God.7You learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,8and who also informed us of your love in the Spirit.

9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,10so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,11being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.13He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The Supremacy of the Son

15The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.16For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.