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13 He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption [redemption through His blood,], the forgiveness of sins. 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God {Theou}, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For 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. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church {ekklēsias}; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence. 19 For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross. 21 Once you⁺ were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds (acts). 22 But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you⁺ holy, unblemished (blameless), and blameless in His presence— 23 if indeed you⁺ continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel (good news) you⁺ heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature (in all creation) under heaven, and of which I, Paul (humble), have become a servant {diakonos}. 24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you⁺, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church {ekklēsia}. 25 I became its servant {diakonos} by the commission God {Theou} gave me to fully proclaim to you⁺ the word of God, 26 the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed (made clear) to His saints (holy ones). 27 To them God {Theos} has chosen to make known among the Gentiles {ethnesin} the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ (the Anointed One) in you⁺, the hope of glory {doxēs}. 28 We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching {didaskontes} everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect (fully mature) in Christ (the Anointed One). 29 To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me. Colossians 1:13-29, Berean Annotated Bible. Public domain.
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