Colossians 1:1-13 ▼

1 Paul (humble), an apostle (sent one) of Christ (the Anointed One) Jesus (YHWH saves) by the will of God {Theou}, and Timothy (honoring God) our brother,

2 To the saints (holy ones) and faithful brothers (and sisters) in Christ (the Anointed One) at Colossae: Grace and peace to you⁺ from God {Theou} our Father [God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ].

3 We always thank God {Theō}, the Father of our Lord {Kyriou} Jesus (YHWH saves) Christ (the Anointed One), when we pray for you⁺,

4 because we have heard about your⁺ faith in Christ (the Anointed One) Jesus (YHWH saves) and your⁺ love {agapēn} for all the saints (holy ones)—

5 the 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 gospel (good news)

6 that 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 {Theou}.

7 You⁺ learned it from Epaphras, our beloved {agapētou} fellow servant {syndoulou}, who is a faithful minister {diakonos} of Christ (the Anointed One) on our [your] behalf,

8 and who also informed us of your⁺ love {agapēn} in the Spirit {Pneumati}.

9 For 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 (discernment) of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

10 so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord {Kyriou} and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge (discernment) of God {Theou},

11 being strengthened with all power {dynamei} according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance (perseverance) and patience, and joyfully

12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you⁺ [us] to share in the inheritance of the saints (holy ones) in the light.

13 He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,