24  I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for His body, which is the church,

24  For now I rejoice in my passion on your behalf, and I complete in my flesh the things that are lacking in the Passion of Christ, for the sake of his body, which is the Church.

24  And now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and make up that which is lacking of the sufferings of Christ in my flesh for his bodyÆs sake, which is the church

25  of which I became a minister according to the stewardship of God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,

25  For I have become a minister of the Church, according to the dispensation of God that has been given to me among you, so that I may fulfill the Word of God,

26  the mystery which has been hidden from the ages and from generations, but now was revealed to His saints.

26  [even] the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations: but now hath it been manifested to his saints,

27  To whom God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory;

28  whom we proclaim, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus;

28  We are announcing him, correcting every man and teaching every man, with all wisdom, so that we may offer every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

28  Him we preach, and teach, and make known to every man in all wisdom, that we may bring up every man perfect through Jesus Christ;

29  for which I also labor, striving according to His working which is working in me with power.

29  And to this end, I labour and strive through the help of the power which is given to me.

2:1  For I want you to know how great a struggle I have concerning you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,

1  I WOULD that you knew how I struggled for your sakes and for the sake of those who are at La-od-i-ceÆa, and for the rest who have not seen me personally;

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;

2:2  that their hearts may be encouraged, being joined together in love, and to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to a full knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,

2  May their hearts be consoled and instructed in charity, with all the riches of a plenitude of understanding, with knowledge of the mystery of God the Father and of Christ Jesus.

2:3  in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

2:4  Now this I say lest anyone may deceive you with persuasive words.

4  And I say this, so that no man may beguile you with enticing words.

2:5  For though indeed I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your orderliness and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

5  For though I may be absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit. And I rejoice as I gaze upon your order and its foundation, which is in Christ, your faith.