[and is being sent] to the saints [i.e., God's holy people] and faithful brothers in [fellowship with] Christ [who live] at Colosse. May you have unearned favor and peace from God our Father.

because of the hope being reserved for you in the heavens, which ye heard before in the word of the truth of the good-news

Being present to you as also in all the world; and is bearing fruit, as also in you, from the day which ye heard and knew the grace of God in truth:

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

in all might being made mighty according to the power of His glory, to all endurance and long-suffering with joy.

who is the image of the invisible God, being the first begotten of all creation,

For all things were created by Him; things in heaven and on earth; things visible and invisible, whether they are thrones [i.e., reigning beings], or lords, or rulers or authorities. [Note: "Authorities" here may refer to angelic beings]. All things were created by Him and for Him.

He is before all things, and in him all things have being.

And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works,

if also ye remain in the faith, being founded and settled, and not moved away from the hope of the good news, which ye heard, which was preached in all the creation that is under the heaven, of which I became -- I Paul -- a ministrant.

He was pleased to make known to these people the wealth of His splendor among the Gentiles; this hidden secret, which is Christ among you, [is] the hope of being honored [i.e., in heaven].

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;

I say this to prevent your being misled by any one's plausible sophistry.

being rooted and built up in him, and confirmed in the faith, as ye were taught -- abounding in it in thanksgiving.

For in him all the wealth of God's being has a living form,

In [fellowship with] Him you people were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human beings, but performed by Christ, consisting of the removal of the body of [sinful] flesh.

being buried with him in the baptism, in which also ye rose with him through the faith of the working of God, who did raise him out of the dead.

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

let no one beguile you of your prize, delighting in humble-mindedness and in worship of the messengers, intruding into the things he hath not seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his flesh,

and not holding fast the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, increasing with the increase of God.

"Hands off this!" "Taste not that!" "Touch not this!" ??22 referring to things that perish by being used? These rules are determined by human precepts and tenets;

(these things all perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men.

These things seem to have a sort of wisdom in self-ordered worship and making little of oneself, and being cruel to the body, not honouring it by giving it its natural use.

and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Being gentle to one another and having forgiveness for one another, if anyone has done wrong to his brother, even as the Lord had forgiveness for you:

Let the peace that Christ can give keep on acting as umpire in your hearts, for you were called to this state as members of one body. And practice being thankful.

You husbands must continue to love your wives and stop being harsh with them.

Slaves, obey your {human} masters in everything, not {while being watched}, as people pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.

Being certain that the Lord will give you the reward of the heritage: for you are the servants of the Lord Christ.

Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.

your word always in grace -- with salt being seasoned -- to know how it behoveth you to answer each one.

And Jesus, he that is called Justus, - they being of the circumcision; these only, are my fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God, men who have been, unto me, a comfort.

Epaphras greets you, he being of you, a servant of Christ, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

This greeting [is being written] by me, Paul, in my own handwriting. Remember my imprisonment. [Note: This was probably a request for them to pray for him]. May God's favor be with you.