1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you , and for them at Laodicea , and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh ;
2 That their hearts might be comforted , being knit together in love , and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding , to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God , and of the Father , and of Christ ;
3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge .
4 And this I say , lest any man should beguile you with enticing words .
5 For though I be absent in the flesh , yet am I with you in the spirit , joying and beholding your order , and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ .
6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord , so walk ye in him :
7 Rooted and built up in him , and stablished in the faith , as ye have been taught , abounding therein with thanksgiving .
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit , after the tradition of men , after the rudiments of the world , and not after Christ .
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily .
10 And ye are complete in him , which is the head of all principality and power :
11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands , in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ :
12 Buried with him in baptism , wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God , who hath raised him from the dead .
13 And you , being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh , hath he quickened together with him , having forgiven you all trespasses ;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us , which was contrary to us , and took it out of the way , nailing it to his cross ;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers , he made a shew of them openly , triumphing over them in it .
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat , or in drink , or in respect of an holyday , or of the new moon , or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come ; but the body is of Christ .
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels , intruding into those things which he hath not seen , vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind ,
19 And not holding the Head , from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered , and knit together , increaseth with the increase of God .
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world , why , as though living in the world , are ye subject to ordinances ,
21 (Touch not ; taste not ; handle not ;
22 Which all are to perish with the using ;) after the commandments and doctrines of men ?
23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship , and humility , and neglecting of the body ; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh .
