Colossians 1:1-13 ▼

1 Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the divine appointment, and Timothy our brother,

2 to our faithful brethren the christian converts at Coloss, favour and peace be to you from God our father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 In our prayers we continually give thanks to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ upon your account,

4 having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the affection you have to all christians;

5 for the sake of that happiness, which you hope for, and is reserv'd for you in heaven, of which you have already been inform'd by the preaching of the truth, that is, the gospel:

6 which is not only come to you, but to all the world; where it produces its effects, and increases, as it does also among you, ever since you sincerely embrac'd the divine favour,

7 which you heard was offer'd to you, by the instructions of Epaphras, our dear fellow-servant, who is to you a faithful minister of Christ:

8 who also declared to us the love you bear to us upon a spiritual account.

9 For this cause, ever since we heard of it, we incessantly pray for you, requesting that you may be endued with respect to the knowledge of his will, with all wisdom and spiritual discernment:

10 that your conduct may be worthy of the Lord, in every respect agreeable to him, being friutful in every kind of virtue, and increasing in divine knowledge:

11 being fortified in so effectual a manner, as to sustain your trials with constancy and joy:

12 giving thanks to the father, who has qualified you to share in that light he affords to his people:

13 who has deliver'd you from the state of darkness, and has translated you into the kingdom of his beloved son.